OSSINEKE, MI – The Norse Softball Team (3-14, 3-7 MCCAA) picked up a pair of conference wins on the road, defeating the Alpena Lumberjacks (2-15, 1-9 MCCAA) by scores of 12-4 and 11-4.

The opening game remained scoreless into the third until Desiree Bender (SO, Sandusky, MI) belted a two-run home run to left field.

After Alpena responded in the bottom half and tied it with a clutch two-out hit, the Norse exploded in the fourth.  Seven Norse players reached base safely before the Lumberjacks could record an out.  When the dust had settled Bay plated ten runs in the inning, giving them an insurmountable lead.

Though Alpena rallied in the fifth, the game was called early as Norse took a 12-4 victory.

Emma Rutter (SO, Chatham, MI) was three for three in the game with two RBI, two runs scored, and a double.  Bender picked up two hits in three at bats and drove in four.  Hailey Duquaine (FR, Pulaski, WI) had a pair of RBI on a two for four effort.  Sierra Jones (SO, Calgary, AB) also had a multi-hit effort, picking up two hits in four trips to the plate.

Izzy Drabant (SO, Sandusky, MI) was the winning pitcher for Bay.  In five innings she gave up nine hits and four runs, only walking one batter.  She struck out four.

Kenna Tippman (FR, Venice, FL) and Abigail Platt (SO, Elk Rapids, MI) each picked up a pair of hits for Alpena.

The Norse offense put up crooked numbers throughout the game in the nightcap.  Lexie Ressiguie (FR, Fort Collins, CO) got things started with a two-run home run in the first inning.  Allie Radcliffe (FR, Republic, MI) hit a solo shot in the second, and Duquaine drove in a second run in the frame two batters later.  Jones belted a bases loaded double in the fourth to score three, opening up a lead for the Norse.

A pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth for Alpena did not phase Bay.  Jones picked up another RBI double in the sixth.  Ressiguie drove in a run with a single in the seventh, which was followed by Jones blasting a home run to center field to round out the scoring for Bay.

Jones finished with an impressive stat line.  She had six RBI and five hits in five at bats.  She doubled twice and hit a home run. 

Ressiguie was excellent as well.  She ended four for four with three RBI, three runs, and the aforementioned home run.

Duquaine picked up three hits in five at bats, an RBI and two runs scored.

Radcliffe picked up the win from the pitcher's circle.  She scattered ten hits in seven innings of work.  Two of the four runs she gave up were earned.  She struck out one and walked no one.

Bay will be back in action on Friday and Saturday this week.  It is the home opener for the Norse as they welcome Mid Michigan into town.  First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 pm, while Saturday's games will begin at 1 pm at Wells Sports Complex.