NICC softball notches first ranked win in program history

By Kaleigh Tull, NICC work-study student

The Cougars had a few tough series on their schedule over the past week, including several games against ranked opponents. NICC had competitive showings in most of the games, including a big win over a ranked Iowa Central.

GAME ONE (Hawkeye)

The Cougars fell 8-5 to the Hawkeye Red Tails in a game that slipped away in the middle innings. After both teams scored in the third, the Red Tails took control offensively with two runs in the fourth and four runs in the fifth inning.

Despite scoring in both the sixth and seventh innings, the Cougars couldn't quite catch up. Natalie Nenne led the offense with two doubles and two runs batted in (RBI), while Rylee Madden added a solo home run. Brooke Matic also contributed offensively with a double, but that wasn't enough to complete the comeback.

Game one performers:
Nenne - 2 2B, 2 RBI
Madden - HR, RBI

GAME TWO (Hawkeye)

After a slow start, the Cougars managed to comeback to take the split with the Red Tails, winning 6-4. After trailing until the fifth inning, the Cougars broke through with two runs before a big four-run sixth inning to take the lead.

Bronwyn Harding led the offense at the plate, launching a three-run home run. Natalie Nenne and Adelyn Miller each added an RBI, while Harding, Nenne and Madden all contributed doubles to keep the offense rolling.

Defensively, Addison Murilla went seven innings in the circle, only allowing four runs and striking out five. A double play by Nenne and Peyton Mengel in the top of the seventh helped secure the win for the Cougars.

Game two performers:
Harding - HR, 3 RBI, 2B
Murilla - 7 IP, 5 K

GAME ONE (Iowa Central)

The Cougars struggled to recover from an early lead by the Tritons, who scored with five runs in the first inning and 10 runs in the second inning, ultimately falling 15-4. Despite that, the Cougars battled at the plate, scoring once in the first inning, twice in the third inning and once more in the fourth. Nenne, Harding and Matic each launched homeruns, with Nenne driving in two runs.

Mengel started the game, throwing two innings while allowing 15 runs, 12 of which were earned. Kaleigh Tull came in relief, throwing two scoreless innings and only allowing one hit.

Game one performers:
Nenne - HR, 2 RBI

GAME TWO (Iowa Central)

After a rough first game, the Cougars bounced back with a 6-2 win over ranked Iowa Central. NICC got on the board early with one run in the first inning, three in the fifth and one in each of the fifth and seventh.

Nenne, Alli Luka and Bronwyn Harding all added doubles, while Nenne, Miller, Harding and Addie Vorwald drove in runs.

Murilla dominated on the mound, going all seven innings, only allowing three hits, two earned runs and striking out 10 to help lead the Cougars to victory.

Game two performers:
Harding - 2B, 2 RBI
Murilla - 7 IP, 10 K

GAME ONE (DMACC)

NICC started slow once again on offense, but they eventually found a rhythm, scoring two runs in the second inning and four in the third to help stay within reach of the Bears. Mengel powered the offense with a home run and three runs batted in (RBI). Harding added two RBI, but with seven runs in the first inning and eight runs in the sixth solidified the NICC loss.

Game one performers:
Mengel - HR, 3 RBI

GAME TWO (DMACC)

The Cougars started strong with two runs in the first inning, but it wasn't enough to compete. The Bears broke things open late with seven runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to secure the 10-2 win over the Cougars. Harding helped contribute to the offense with one run batted in.

Game two performers:
Harding - RBI