HAMMOND, Ind. – The Purdue University Northwest softball team earned a 10-6 victory in Game 1 over Ashland University, with Game 2 being halted in the fourth inning due to darkness. The game may be resumed at a later date.

PNW struck first in the bottom of the first inning thanks to an RBI-triple by Amanda Noblett (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) who scored Shailen Johnson (West Lafayette, Ind./Harrison) to make it 1-0.

Ashland would answer back in the top of the third to even the score at 1-1, but the Pride would have a three-run third inning capped off by an RBI-double from Taylor Mendenhall (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) to give PNW a 4-1 advantage. 

The Eagles would score five runs in the next two innings to take a 6-4 lead, but the Pride had an electric sixth inning, which plated six runs.

After a bases loaded walk from Tessa Steffens (Litchfield, Ill./Litchfield) scored Zoee Anderson (Lafayette, Ind./Lafayette Jefferson) to start the inning, the Pride capitalized on some defensive miscues from the Eagles to take the 10-6 lead, which would be the final score. 

Anderson was a perfect, 4-for-4 at the plate with a pair of runs scored and an RBI while Kalyn Learnard (Fairmount, Ill./Catlin) and Amanda Noblett each recorded two hits to lead the offense for the Pride.

Ashley Bravo (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young) came in relief from Mia Stevens (Wheatfield, Ind./Kankakee Valley) and earned her second victory of the season in the circle striking out two batters in 2.1 innings of work and allowing 0 runs.

PNW is back in action tomorrow as they face Ferris State in a GLIAC doubleheader beginning at 2:30 (CST).