The Aurora University softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with nationally ranked North Central College, losing game one 8-0 and winning game two 3-1.

Game One

North Central 8

Aurora  0

The Spartans fell in game one with the visiting Cardinals showing why they have been ranked nationally all season. North Central scored with a solo home run in the second inning, a two-run home run in the third inning and scored five times including a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

AU starting pitcher Vanessa Hartzell was the losing pitcher, she now has a 10-8 record.

Game Two

Aurora 3

North Central 1

Game two saw all the scoring happen in the first inning. The Cardinals got one run off AU starting pitcher Natalie Zanella courtesy of two hits and two Spartan errors.

AU responded immediately in the bottom of the inning, scoring three times for a 3-1 lead. Back to back singles by mandey Schrader and Laura Dierking got the inning going. The two moved up one base on a sacrifice bunt by Sarah Clauser. After a walk to Steph Starr, everyone moved up one base with Schrader scoring courtesy of a Cardinal fielding error. Logan Cahill then singled to score Dierking and Starr with the second and third runs.

Zanella would keep the Cardinals at bay only allowing two hits over the final six innings. She struck out four while allowing four hits for her 11th win of the season.

With the split, AU is now 22-12 overall and 15-3 in the NACC.Next action for the Spartan softball team comes on Friday, April 25 when they host Alverno College. Game one is set for 2:00 p.m. at the Stuart Sports Complex in Montgomery, Ill. AU Student-Athlete Appreciation Day event will take place and between games will be AU senior day recognition. The first 170 student-athletes in attendance for the softball doubleheader will receive a giveaway and members of the athletic department staff will host a cookout for the student-athletes.