Northern Kentucky University’s softball team began its participation in the EKU Invitational on Friday with a split result, defeating Delaware State before losing to Miami University.
In the first game, Northern Kentucky achieved an 8-0 victory over Delaware State at Gertrude Hood Field in Richmond, Kentucky. Freshman Makaree Chapman started as pitcher and delivered a six-inning shutout, allowing only one hit while striking out three and walking three. Chapman also contributed offensively, going 1-for-2 at the plate. She improved her season record to 3-4 with a 3.37 ERA.
The team’s offense collected eight hits in 22 at-bats, drew five walks, and recorded four extra-base hits. Peyton Mueller-Stenz finished the game with three hits—a single, double, and triple—batting in two runs and scoring twice. Mack Brow hit her first career home run and had three RBIs along with a walk. Lexy Morris went 1-for-2 with a two-RBI double.
In their second game of the day against Miami (OH), Northern Kentucky lost 7-4. The Norse took an early lead by scoring three runs in the first two innings but could not hold off Miami’s offense. Miami tied the game with a three-run homer in the third inning and then moved ahead on a grand slam.
Alicia Flores started for NKU but allowed seven runs on eight baserunners over just over two innings pitched. Abigail Byrd came on in relief and threw nearly four shutout innings while allowing four baserunners.
Offensively, NKU managed eight hits out of thirty at-bats; all their hits occurred before their tenth out was recorded. Makaree Chapman continued her strong performance by going 2-for-4 as designated player with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Mack Brow added another RBI with her own 2-for-4 showing at the plate, while Jena Rhoads also went 2-for-4 with one run scored.
Northern Kentucky will conclude its play at Eastern Kentucky on Sunday when it faces Delaware State again as well as EKU.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Kentucky’s NCAA Division I softball team through its official social media channels: @NKUNorseSB on Twitter, @nkusoftball on Instagram, nkunorsesballon Facebook, or by subscribing to the NKU Norse Youtube channel.
