Heather Cotner

KENOSHA, Wis. - Heather Cotner hit a two-run homer in the first inning to spark Northern Kentucky University’s 4-2 win over Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday as the Norse earned a split of a doubleheader.

Ricki Rothbauer went 2-for-2 and scored twice for the Norse, who improved to 30-16 overall, 10-8 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Candace White notched her 15th victory of the season for NKU, while Amanda Smith pitched the final 2 1/3 innings to record her third save.

In the opener, Wisconsin-Parkside survived a bases-loaded jam on a controversial interference call in the top of the seventh inning and posted a 1-0 win over NKU. With the bases loaded and one out, Smith flew out to right field and both Rothbauer and Cotner crossed the plate after an apparent Ranger error.

The umpiring crew, however, ruled that Smith interfered with Ranger first baseman Kristin Lancaster on the play and called Rothbauer out to end the game.

NKU will conclude the road trip at noon Sunday with a doubleheader at Lewis.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

GAME 2 BOX SCORE