---April Ehlers

By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Big innings spelled disaster for the Northern Kentucky University softball team, as the Lewis University Flyers uncorked its offense to run-rule the Norse, 9-1 and 10-0, in a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader Saturday morning.

The teams traded runs early in Game 1, with Lewis getting on the board on a Kelly Dianis RBI-single in the bottom of the first. Shatona Campbell responded in the top of the second, sending the first pitch she saw over the center-field wall for her first home run of the year.

Lewis then exploded for seven runs in the third inning, punctuated by Mallory Paine’s opposite-field grand slam, to open things up. The Flyers scored once more in the fifth on a Dianis double, ending the game in run-rule fashion. Courtney Lyons (11-3) backed up the offense with her pitching, holding the Norse scoreless in the third and fourth innings. She struck out six batters and walked six more while allowing just three hits.

April Ehlers (2-8) took the loss, giving up six earned runs.

Game 2 went no better for the Norse, who gave up 10 runs in the fourth inning to fall, 10-0, and complete the sweep. The Flyers utilized five doubles in the frame to break the game wide open and continue to victory. Northern Kentucky never got a runner off first base as Diana Pickrum (4-0) slammed the door shut, allowing just four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.

Amanda Smith (2-2) gave up seven runs in a losing effort.

Northern Kentucky (5-13, 1-3 GLVC) returns to action on Wednesday when the Norse take to the road to face Ohio Dominican in non-conference action.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

GAME 2 BOX SCORE