SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Northwest Missouri State softball faced off against Augustana in a doubleheader at Bowden Field, with contrasting outcomes in each game. The Bearcats suffered a 13-1 loss in the first game but rebounded to secure a thrilling 14-12 victory in the second game.
In the first game, Northwest Missouri began with an unearned run, as
Mackenzie Mlnarik scored after reaching base via hit by pitch and advancing to third on a passed ball. This gave the Bearcats an early lead, but Augustana quickly responded with an explosive eight-run first inning. The Vikings' scoring included a two-run homer by K. Lubovich and several key RBI hits, putting them ahead 8-1 by the end of the first inning.
The second inning saw Northwest Missouri load the bases with two outs but fail to score, while Augustana extended their lead with a solo home run by Lubovich, increasing the score to 9-1. The third inning went scoreless, maintaining that lead. In the fourth inning, Northwest Missouri was kept off the scoreboard again, as Augustana added four more runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from Christiansen, concluding the game with a final score of 13-1.
Jadyn Streigle pitched for the Bearcats, allowing 8 hits and 8 earned runs over 1 inning, while
Olivia Moyer came in for relief, pitching 3 innings with 5 hits and 4 earned runs allowed, striking out 5 batters. Mlnarik contributed offensively with one run and one hit, while
Omara Love earned two walks and a hit by pitch. The loss brought Northwest Missouri's record to 28-17.
In the second game, Northwest Missouri bounced back with a strong offensive performance, starting with
Alexis Brown tripling to center field and setting the stage for a five-run first inning.
Timber Wilson's single, resulting in two runs due to an error, and
Sara Farlow's three-run homer propelled the Bearcats to an early 5-2 lead.
The fourth inning saw further scoring, with Mlnarik's RBI single and Love's two-RBI double pushing the lead to 8-6. The Bearcats surged ahead in the sixth inning, scoring five runs, highlighted by Wilson's two-RBI double and
Avery Mayberry's two-run home run, establishing a commanding 13-6 lead. Brown's RBI double in the seventh added to the tally, but Augustana mounted a late six-run rally. Despite the effort, Northwest Missouri held on for the 14-12 victory.
Rien Moore delivered a complete game for the Bearcats, allowing 12 earned runs on 14 hits while striking out 9 batters over 7 innings. Mlnarik had a standout performance, scoring three runs with three hits and driving in two, while Wilson recorded two hits and four RBIs. Farlow added three hits, two runs scored, and three RBIs, including a home run.
Northwest Missouri's record improved to 29-18, while Augustana's fell to 21-25. Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Nebraska-Kearney on Friday, April 24, at 2 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri.
