Northern Kentucky University’s softball team returned to action after a week-long break, facing the University of Louisville on Tuesday night at Ulmer Stadium. Despite a strong third inning in which the Norse scored six runs and briefly held the lead, Louisville came back with eight unanswered runs to secure a 10-6 victory.
Makaree Chapman started for Northern Kentucky, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing four earned runs while striking out three batters. At the plate, Chapman contributed an RBI double and scored a run. Alicia Flores entered in relief during the fourth inning with the bases loaded and managed to end the threat with consecutive strikeouts. However, she later gave up a two-run home run in the fifth inning that allowed Louisville to take a 7-6 lead.
Abigail Byrd took over pitching duties in the seventh after Flores issued a walk to start the inning. Byrd then surrendered a three-run homer as Louisville extended its advantage and sealed the win.
Offensively, Kenzie Gulley led Northern Kentucky by going 3-for-4 and scoring once. Brielle DiMemmo drove in two runs with a single during the third inning and also drew a walk. Emma Ginn added a two-RBI single as part of NKU’s six-run rally.
The Norse now hold a record of 7-6 for the season, while Louisville improved to 15-4.
Northern Kentucky will continue its road trip this weekend at Eastern Kentucky University, where they are scheduled to play against Miami (OH), Delaware State, and EKU on March 6 and March 8.
Fans can follow updates on Northern Kentucky’s NCAA Division I softball team through their official social media accounts on Twitter (@NKUNorseSB), Instagram (@nkusoftball), Facebook (nkunorsesballon), and YouTube (NKU Norse channel).
