The Aurora University Spartan softball team swept the Northern Athletics Conference doubleheader  against Milwaukee School of Engineering Wednesday afternoon at the Stuart Sports Complex, winning both contests in 5 innings, 11-0 and 15-0.

Game One
Aurora 11  MSOE 0

The Spartans used a four run first inning that included a bases clearing three-run double by sophomore shortstop Brooke Spencer that scored sophomore catcher Tristan Wilcox, junior first baseman Maggie Cooper and senior outfielder Shannon Starr and a single by senior third baseman Jess Scott that scored Spencer to jump out to a quick 4-0 lead for sophomore pitcher Allison Shimkus.

After Shimkus set down the Raiders in order for the third straight inning, the Spartan offense exploded again in the bottom of the third inning to enact the 8-run mercy rule.

In the inning, AU scored seven runs on seven hits and had the help of two Raider errors to put the game out of reach. The big hits in the inning came off the bat of freshman outfielder Jackie Soch (three-run double) and sophomore designated player Stephanie Lynch (two-run single).

Freshman pitcher Katie Stengler came on to pitch the fifth and final inning for the Spartans. Offensive leaders for the Spartans included Spencer (two for two with a double, three runs batted in and two runs scored), Scott (two for two with one run scored and one run batted in), junior outfielder Caitlyn Clay (two for two with one run scored and Soch (one for one with a double and three runs batted in).

Game Two
Aurora 15  MSOE 0

Much like the first game of the day, the Spartans jumped out to an early lead in the first inning and never looked back.

In the bottom of the first, AU used four hits including a two-run double by freshman designated player Lillie Stone and a two-run single by freshman infielder Sarah Clauser to score four runs.

In the second inning, the Spartans scored eight runs on six hits and three Raider errors to put the game out of reach for the visitors. Freshman outfielder Sarah Benak reached on an error and scored when the next Spartan to come to the plate, Spencer, homered. Wilcox then reached on an error and after she was pinch run for by Jess Lobraco, Cooper homered giving AU an 8-0 lead but the Spartans weren't done. AU put together four more hits and scored four more runs before ending the inning with a 12-0 lead.

The lead allowed AU head coach Mike Mckenzie to utilize his talented bench in the next couple innings, In the third, the Spartans extended the lead to the eventual 15-0 final score, scoring three runs on three hits and two Raider errors.

Offensively, AU was led by Cooper (two for two with a home run, two runs scored and two runs batted in), Spencer (one for one with a home run, two runs batted in and two runs scored), sophomore catcher Sara Carbone (two for two with a double and two runs batted in) and Stone (one for one with a double, two runs batted in and two runs scored).

The doubleheader sweep improves AU to a record of 17-7 overall and 9-1 in the NAC. Next action for the Spartan softball team comes on Saturday, April 16, 2011 when they travel to Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Game time is set for noon in Watertown, Wis.