The UNK softball team notched its first-ever win over Rogers State on Sunday, upsetting the 11th-ranked Hillcats 5-2 in the opener before dropping a tight 2-0 decision in the nightcap at Dryden Park.
The Lopers relied on strong pitching from freshman Kalli Ulven and junior Madeline Janssen in game one, while capitalizing on timely hitting and Hillcat miscues to snap a 12-game skid against Rogers State (30-11, 12-8). The victory marked UNK’s first over RSU in 13 all-time meetings.
“This was a huge step for our program,” said Katie Ackermann, UNK softball coach. “Rogers State is a perennial power, and finally breaking through against them, especially at home, shows the fight in this team.”
Ulven (Blair) set the tone with four shutout innings and five strikeouts against a Hillcat lineup that entered batting .318 and averaging six runs per game. The Lopers jumped ahead early, plating two runs in the first and three in the second, taking advantage of three RSU errors. Rogers State threatened with a two-run fifth, but Janssen (Earlham, Iowa) slammed the door with 2.2 scoreless innings for her fifth save.
Offensively, Arizona junior Alivia De La Cruz (1-for-2, one run), Raymond sophomore Alyssa Fortik (2-for-3, one run), and Colorado senior Eden McNally (1-for-3) each drove in runs, with Fortik delivering one of UNK’s two doubles.
The Lopers nearly completed the sweep in game two but were stifled by RSU ace Harley Cullie (13-4), who tossed a four-hit shutout with eight strikeouts. UNK left runners in scoring position in four of the first five innings, and Rogers State broke through late on Callie Yellin’s solo homer in the sixth—her team-leading 11th of the year—and a sacrifice fly from Kaylee Lyon in the seventh.
“We had our chances, but their pitcher was tough when it mattered,” Ackermann said. “Still, splitting with a top-15 team proves we can compete with anyone.”
The Lopers closed their eight-game homestand Monday with a doubleheader against Northeastern State (14-28, 7-13) before embarking on a grueling stretch that includes six straight road games, including matchups with MIAA contenders Central Oklahoma and Missouri Western.
“We’ve got a tough road ahead, but today showed what we’re capable of,” Ackermann said. “Playing at Dryden gives us an edge, our fans bring energy you can’t replicate, but we’ll need to carry this momentum on the road.”
The Lopers (20-19, 6-8 MIAA) snapped a seven-game skid against the RiverHawks in the opener, capitalizing on early offense and strong relief pitching. Nelson, a Sterling, Colorado native, went 2 for 4 with a two-run double and an RBI single, while sophomore Daniella Morillas (6-4) tossed 4.2 innings, allowing just one run in relief.
UNK jumped ahead with a four-run first inning and added five in the second, overcoming a 12-8 deficit in hits by taking advantage of three errors and five walks. Lincoln senior Leah Jurgens and redshirt freshman Kendall Kersey each added two RBIs.
The Lopers missed a chance at their second home sweep of the season, leaving 10 runners on base in game two. Nelson blasted a three-run homer — her team-leading fifth of the year — to cut into a 4-0 deficit, but NSU pulled away with a four-run third and three-run sixth.
Senior Madison Heinle (6-9) labored through 143 pitches for NSU, working around nine hits and five walks. The game featured a 30-minute delay in the second inning when Heinle requested repairs to the pitcher’s circle.
UNK’s Kendall Kersey, Gianna Galli, and Alivia De La Cruz each had two hits in the loss. Freshman Jerzie Schindler (6-6) allowed just one earned run in four innings.
The Lopers close the regular season with 12 straight road games, beginning with a series against No. 7 Central Oklahoma (33-6, 12-2) and Newman (6-32, 1-13).
