Northern Colorado began the Colorado Classic with two wins against Kansas City at Gloria Rodriguez Field on Thursday. The Bears won the first game 3-2 in a walk-off and followed up with a 12-8 victory in the second matchup.
In the opening game, Kansas City scored twice in the first inning. Northern Colorado responded by scoring one run in the second and another in the third to tie the game. Both teams were scoreless until the seventh inning when Krista Francia hit a triple that drove in the winning run for Northern Colorado.
Pitcher Anna Wilming threw a complete game, allowing four hits and striking out nine batters. The Bears finished with nine hits, led by Katie Walling’s two hits, while Amailee Morales, Ella Gonzales, and Francia contributed offensively.
The second game saw Northern Colorado’s offense produce 15 hits and runs across five innings. The Bears built an early 5-0 lead before Kansas City closed the gap with a five-run fifth inning. Northern Colorado answered with three runs in their half of the fifth and added another in the sixth.
Hayden Nelson hit a home run and recorded four RBIs for Northern Colorado. Jazzy Longo and Krista Francia also homered, while Ella Gonzales had three hits, including two doubles. Ellyse Hydock earned the win in relief by pitching four innings and striking out four.
Due to expected cold weather in Greeley, Friday’s doubleheader against South Dakota has been changed to a single game starting at 2 p.m. at Gloria Rodriguez Field. The Bears will finish their weekend schedule with a doubleheader against South Dakota on Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a second game at 12:30 p.m.
The Rally Starters Club continues to support UNC Softball through funding for training resources, technology upgrades, and travel opportunities that benefit student-athletes both on and off the field.
For more information about Northern Colorado Softball or updates throughout the season, visit UNCBears.com or follow @UNC_BearsSB on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook.
