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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Becky Napier hit a run-scoring triple in her final game with the Northern Kentucky University softball team, which managed a doubleheader split against Kentucky Wesleyan on Sunday, winning the opener 1-0 before falling in the nightcap, 5-4. Napier, a senior first baseman from Lexington, Ky., was honored between games. The last remaining active player from NKU’s 2005 squad that won a collegiate-record 55 consecutive games, Napier was the only senior this season. Shatona Campbell’s RBI double with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning was all NKU needed in the first game. Amanda Smith (9-13) picked up her third complete-game shutout, striking out four and scattering five hits in the victory. In the nightcap, a five-run sixth inning by Kentucky Wesleyan, capped off by Lindsay Davis’ fourth home run of the season, put the Panthers up by a 5-3 score. NKU threatened in the bottom of the seventh when Amanda Smith hit a bases-loaded single to left field to plate Rose Broderick. In the process, however, both Cara Parker and Campbell got caught in rundowns, ending NKU’s season on an unlikely 7-1-2-5-8 double play. Jenny Weis went 2-for-3 in the second game with a run scored and a stolen base. Sydney Doyle also had a 2-for-3 day and scored a run. Broderick, Smith, and Campbell each went 2-for-4 at the plate. Candace White (11-10) took the loss in game two, giving up five earned runs and picking up four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Smith pitched 1 1/3 inning of scoreless relief. NKU finished the season at 23-25 overall, and 8-14 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Broderick’s seven home runs this spring set a single-season school record.
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