Central Michigan University
North Dakota
Knapp Fires 2-Hitter In Softball Win
3/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
James Youness, CMUChippewas.com
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Rachael Knapp pitched a two-hitter and struck out 12 Friday as the Central Michigan softball team defeated North Dakota 4-0.
The Chippewas dropped their second game of the day, 4-3, to South Dakota. CMU (9-11) is scheduled to face two opponents Saturday: Iona at 2 p.m. and USC Upstate at 4:15 p.m.
Gina Munson gave CMU a 1-0 lead in the victory over North Dakota with a second-inning RBI single. Katelyn Rentschler had two RBI singles on the day, one in the fifth inning, the other in the sixth.
"The middle of the lineup did a nice job," CMU Coach Margo Jonker said. "Lacy Tolfree got it going for us and then the middle of the lineup kept coming through. It's nice to see for the team."
Sydney Heath was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the sixth to force in the final run.
Allison Curtis had three hits to lead CMU at the plate.
"Rachel had a lot of strikeouts," Jonker said. "When you have that many it's obviously going to be a great outing for the defense."
Hanna Warren allowed four runs on seven hits in taking the loss against South Dakota. Knapp worked 2 2/3 innings in relief and struck out three.
Sydney Hancock hit a two-run homer in the second for the Coyotes.
The Chippewas attempted an unsuccessful comeback in the seventh inning. Rachel Vieira hit a bases-loaded RBI with two out before baserunner Allison Curtis was tagged in a rundown.
Vieira had three hits to lead CMU's 12-hit attack. Danielle Marlink had three hits as well, including an RBI double in the second inning.
"Vieira and Marlink came through offensively for us today," Jonker said. "They've been struggling a bit, so it's good to see them come out and have a nice game."
CarolAnn Sexauer added an RBI single in the third inning. Lacy Tolfree and Sara Hansen each singled.
