Softball advances to GPAC Championship Series

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (Northwestern) – Abby Pate hit a bases-loaded infield single to help the Raiders win 3-2 on Thursday and advance to the GPAC Championship Series.

Pitching Decisions
Win: Kameryn Etherington (21-4)
Loss: M. Secora (11-10)
Save: None

How It Happened
Meeting with Morningside for the fourth time this season, Northwestern used a walk-off base hit to secure their spot in the GPAC Championship Series.

The Raiders got aboard first, as Charli Bomgaars sprinted out a double in the second inning, scoring Alyssa Vortherms from third.

Morningside answered with a two-run inning in the top of the third, scoring on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly to take the lead.

With Northwestern trailing through the middle innings, it was not until the bottom of the sixth that Bomgaars once again used her speed, this time sliding in for a single to score Abby Pate from third.

In a dramatic seventh inning, Morningside left two on base and did not score, setting up a walk-off opportunity for the Raiders. Jori Hajek hit a leadoff single, getting to third later in the inning on a wild pitch. After the bases were loaded with two outs, Pate continued her trend of walk-offs, smacking the ball to the pitcher, who struggled with the defensive reaction, and beating out the throw to give her team the win.

Game Notes:

• Gwen Mikkelsen went 2-for-2 with a double and two walks.
• Mikkelsen is one double away from tying the program record.
• Charli Bomgaars went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a steal.
• Abby Pate drove in the game-winning run, going 1-for-3 with a stolen base.
• Ellie Jacobson struck out four batters in the start, while Kate Kralik pitched four innings with two strikeouts.

Up Next : Northwestern will meet Midland on Saturday for a best-of-three conference championship series. The time and location is to be determined. Please follow along at nwcraiders.com and our social media channels for updates.

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