Northern Kentucky University Norse softball won both games of a doubleheader against IU Indy on May 1, strengthening their position in second place in the Horizon League standings.
The victories are significant as they help NKU maintain a strong standing ahead of the Horizon League Championship. The team entered the day with a conference record of 9-7 and improved to 10-7 after sweeping the Jaguars.
In game one, Northern Kentucky secured a 4-3 win. Alicia Flores started as pitcher, throwing over four innings and allowing two runs before Makaree Chapman came in as relief and earned her seventh win of the season. Mack Brow led offensively, going three-for-three with an RBI, while Peyton Mueller-Stenz contributed two hits including a double.
Game two saw NKU come from behind after an early deficit to defeat IU Indy 7-4. Abigail Byrd started but was replaced by Kyndall Ford after the first inning; Ford pitched four scoreless innings for her second win this season. Chapman again closed out the game for NKU. Offensively, Mueller-Stenz hit a home run and a double, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Jena Rhoads added a two-RBI single, while Kenzie Gulley recorded two hits including a double.
The Norse will finish their regular season on Saturday with another game against IU Indy. A victory would secure them the number two seed in the upcoming Horizon League Championship.
