Northeast softball falls in doubleheader to Ellsworth

IOWA FALLS, Iowa – The Northeast Community College softball team couldn't keep Ellsworth Community College off the scoreboard on Thursday, falling in an ICCAC doubleheader, 9-1 and 16-7 in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

The Panthers opened Game 1 with a 5-0 lead after the first inning. The Hawks (10-34, 4-28 ICCAC) found a run in the top of the fourth, but Ellsworth added four runs in the final two innings.

Taylor Nicolay (Nebraska City, Neb.) went 1-for-3 with a run, a triple and an RBI. Kierra Stewart (Dodge, Neb.) tossed five and two-thirds innings, allowing seven earned runs off 12 hits. She struck out five batters and walked three.

The Hawks came within a run in Game 2, after tallying six runs through the second and fourth innings. The Panthers responded with a seven-run fourth inning and eight more in the bottom of the sixth.

Morgan Haner (Sterling, Neb.) went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a run. Brianna Aguilera (Pierce, Neb.) went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run and an RBI. Nicolay added two hits, including a home run and three RBI, while Greta Lindberg (Tekamah, Neb.) had two hits and two runs. Lindberg took the loss, throwing one and two-thirds innings of relief, allowing three hits, while walking two and striking out one.

The Hawks welcome Indian Hills Community College for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk.

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