Northern Colorado softball lost to Montana 11-7 on May 6 in the Big Sky Tournament at Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium.
The game was significant for Northern Colorado as it marked their exit from the tournament after an early lead. The Bears started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning with back-to-back home runs by Katie Walling and Ella Gonzales. Walling hit a two-run homer to left center, followed by a two-run blast from Gonzales, giving Northern Colorado a quick advantage.
Montana responded with a solo home run in the second inning. Gonzales then added an RBI single for UNC, pushing their lead to 5-1. However, Montana came back with four runs in the third inning to tie the game and continued their momentum into the fourth and fifth innings, eventually leading 11-5.
Northern Colorado attempted a late comeback in the seventh inning when KK Christie hit a solo home run and Gonzales drove in another run on a groundout. Despite getting multiple runners on base, UNC could not overcome Montana’s lead.
Walling led Northern Colorado at bat, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored, one home run and two RBI. Gonzales had four RBI on two hits while Christie contributed two hits including her solo homer. Morales recorded two hits—including a double—and tied for the program’s single-season hits record; Nelson also doubled during the game. The Bears finished with ten hits overall, including three home runs.
The team thanked supporters of its Rally Starters Club for providing training resources and travel opportunities that help student-athletes compete both on and off the field.
