Northern Colorado ended the Colorado Classic DI Tournament with a 5-4 defeat against Colorado State at Ram Field on Sunday. The Bears started strong, scoring three runs in the first inning. Amailee Morales drew a walk, Katie Walling singled, and Ella Gonzales hit a double to left center. KK Christie followed with a two-run single that brought home Walling and Gonzales. Hayden Nelson added an RBI double, scoring Christie and giving Northern Colorado an early 3-0 lead.
Colorado State responded in their half of the first inning with an RBI double from Madi Eslinger, reducing the deficit to 3-1. Northern Colorado managed to prevent further runs by making a crucial out at home plate.
In the third inning, Eslinger hit an RBI single for CSU to make it 3-2. The Bears extended their lead in the fourth when Nelson singled and eventually scored on Jazzy Longo’s sacrifice fly, putting Northern Colorado ahead 4-2.
The Rams kept up the pressure in the fourth inning, adding another run on a fielder’s choice to narrow the gap to 4-3. Eslinger tied the game for CSU in the fifth with a solo home run. In the sixth inning, Lauren Stucky gave CSU its first lead of the game with another solo homer.
Northern Colorado had chances late in both the sixth and seventh innings but could not score again as Reagan Wick closed out the game for CSU in relief. Wick allowed just one hit over 1.2 innings while walking three and striking out two batters.
For Northern Colorado, Christie went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two walks; Nelson was 2-for-4 including an RBI double; Francia contributed two hits; while Gonzales and Harrington each doubled as part of nine team hits.
Anna Wilming started for Northern Colorado, pitching five innings before Ellyse Hydock entered in relief and took the loss after surrendering CSU’s go-ahead home run.
After this tournament finale, Northern Colorado will return home to Gloria Rodriguez Field next week to host another event beginning Thursday, March 5 with a doubleheader against Kansas City.
“The Rally Starters Club is essential to the success of UNC Softball, providing enhanced training resources, advanced technology, and competitive travel opportunities that help the Bears compete at the highest level. These investments directly enrich the student-athlete experience and ensure the team is equipped to excel on and off the field,” according to program information included by UNC Softball staff.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Colorado Softball through UNCBears.com or on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSB), or Facebook (/UNCBearsSB).
