Erin Burleson

Purdue University North Central softball head coach Jeff Boardman has announced several new members of the 2009-2010 recruiting class, which features 10 highly touted student-athletes.

Santana Bozman (Mishawaka Marian H.S./Mishawaka, IN) has signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Purdue North Central next season. Bozman, a three year varsity player, was 2nd Team All Conference as a DH in her junior season. She has also been a three time member of the District 11 Senior World Series Team representing the Central Region (summer ball). Santana is a captain of the Marian squad that was ranked # 1 in the Final 2008 3A poll and advanced to the 3A State Finals.

 LaPorte High School (LaPorte, IN) graduate Sandi Downs will give the Panthers a boost behind the plate, as she was a three year starter at catcher for the Slicers and an All-Duneland Conference performer as a senior.  Downs’ high school teammate April McCarty will also be joining the Panthers as an outfielder but can play anywhere on the field.  McCarty was an All-Duneland Conference performer as a junior and All-Conference and All-Area as a senior. 

Erin Burleson (Elkhart Memorial H.S./Elkhart, IN) will be joining the Panthers next season, coming off of a senior season that saw her earn First Team All-Conference honors as well as being an All-State candidate.  She will be joined by her high school teammate Nicole Nickoson (Elkhart Memorial H.S./Elkhart, IN).

Lindsay Brandner (Griffith H.S./Griffith, IN) was a high school All-Conference performer for the Griffith Panthers her senior year and looks to join former teammate Brittany Bridges, who was a First Team All-CCAC pitcher for the Panthers this year.

Ashley Wohlford (Maconaquah H.S./Peru, IN) will add much needed depth at the catcher position next season. She was an All-Conference and All-District performer in high school.

Alyssa Shoemake (Lake Central H.S./St. John, IN),  Amber Welsh (Crete-Monee H.S./Crete, IL) and Lori Lashenik (South Suburban J.C./Hobart H.S./Hobart, IN) round out the 2009-2010 Panther Softball recruits. 

The Panthers are looking to build off of a 2009 season that saw them finish 3rd in the CCAC Tournament with a 29-23 record on the year.  PNC has significantly improved in the four years under Coach Boardman, as they jumped from 6-32 his first year to 21-17 the next year.  In 2008 the Panthers were 25-21.

The Purdue North Central softball team capped off a tremendous 2009 season by landing four players on the CCAC All-Conference Teams announced Monday. Freshmen Brittany Bridges (Griffith, IN) and Lindsay Gernenz (Crown Point, IN) were both named First Team All-Conference in their rookie season with the Panthers. Senior Melissa Carson (Lake Station, IN) and Freshman Sam Michalski (St. John, IN) were named Honorable Mention.

Bridges appeared in 26 games on the mound for the Panthers recording a 12-8 record and a dominating 1.30 ERA. Even more impressive were her 138 strikeouts to just 22 walks. Offensively Bridges hit .248 for the season with 3 doubles and 2 home runs.

Gernenz had a big year at the plate for PNC as she led the team in batting average (.362), slugging % (.513), RBI's (47), home runs (3), and total bases (78). She also posted a .973 fielding % with 246 put-outs.

Carson went out with a bang this season as she finished the season batting .345 with 14 doubles and 2 home runs. She also drew a team leading 19 walks. Carson had 132 put-outs with a .960 fielding %.

Michalski batted a very consistent .355 with 14 doubles, 3 triples and 34 RBI's on the season. She also recorded a .927 fielding % at shortstop.

The future looks bright for PNC Softball as Bridges, Gernenz and Michalski will all be back for their sophomore campaign. For a complete listing of all the softball post-season awards, go to: http://www.ccacsports.com/awards/6/11.php.

The Panther Softball team gave top-seeded St. Xavier all they could handle Wednesday in the CCAC semi-final round hosted by St. Xavier (Chicago, IL). Both teams faced a "lose and go home" situation, as they both had one loss in the double elimination tournament. It took the eventual champion Cougars 12 innings to finally defeat the Panthers 1-0. PNC finished the season 29-23 and 10-8 in the CCAC regular season.

First Team All-Conference pitcher Brittany Bridges took the mound for PNC and pitched 11.2 innings allowing only 5 hits before a Brittany Hannigan single in the bottom of the 12th inning plated the only run of the game for St. Xavier. Bridges struck out five batters and walked five batters.

The Purdue North Central bats were held in check by the Cougars' pitching combination of Amie Brown and Jalyn Shearer. PNC managed only three hits, two by Freshman shortstop Sam Michalski. Senior All-Conference player Melissa Carson got the third hit for the Panthers in her last game for the black and gold.

The Panthers will lose Seniors Carson, Jessica Brannagan, Betsy Maher, Tracy Markwell, and Alissa Whitaker. Despite the gap the seniors will leave, the future looks bright as ten Freshmen will return for their second season, including All-Conference performers Bridges, Michalksi, and Lindsay Gernenz.

The Purdue North Central Softball team played its second game of the day Tuesday against Judson. The bats stayed hot for the Panthers as they cruised to a 9-1 victory in six innings. The Panthers are now 29-22 on the season and 2-1 in the CCAC Tourney.

PNC took the lead in the first when freshman Lindsay Gernenz hit a single to bring in freshman right fielder Karissa Inglis.  Freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges helped her cause by hitting a solo homer in the second, her third of the year.  The hitting continued in the third as Inglis hit a solo homer, her second of the year, and senior third baseman Betsy Maher hit a single to drive in freshman Sam Michalski. That stretched the Panthers lead to 4-0.  Michalski then scored senior second baseman Jessica Brannagan in the fourth to push the lead to 5-0.  PNC took advantage of Judson errors in the fifth to score two more runs to move the lead to 7-0.

Judson managed to score a run in the sixth off of a PNC error to make the game 7-1. That would be all the Eagles would score on the game.

In the sixth PNC drove in two more runs to end the game in 9-1 due to the eight run rule. The Panthers advance to tomorrow's game against the loser of the Robert Morris vs. St. Francis game. The game will be played at 12 p.m. at St. Xavier University in Chicago, IL.

In a game that would take two days to finish due to weather, PNC got on the scoreboard first and most on Monday/Tuesday, defeating St. Francis 7-3 in their second game of the CCAC Tournament. The Panthers improved to 28-22 on the season and earned another tournament game with the win.

PNC started the scoring when freshman Sam Michalski hit a sacrifice fly to score freshman Karissa Inglis in the first inning, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Senior third baseman Betsy Maher ripped a single down the left line to score freshman first baseman Lindsay Gernenz to increase the first inning score to 2-0.
The game was halted in the third inning due to rain and postponed until Tuesday at noon.

St. Francis started out the new day tough scoring two runs off Inglis to tie the game 2-2.  The Saints added another run in the third to take the lead 3-2. Freshman Brittany Bridges took over in the fifth inning to finish the game.  Inglis pitched 1 2/3 innings allowing one run on four hits, walking one and striking out one.

PNC wiped off the mud and went back to work tying the game in the third inning. They took charge in the fifth scoring four runs to stretch the lead 7-3.

That was all the Lady Panthers needed as the team held off the Saints to earn their first ever CCAC Conference Tournament win. The Panther will come back at 3:30 to play Judson in their second game out of the Losers Bracket.

The Lady Panthers traveled to St. Xavier University on Monday to take on Olivet Nazarene in the opening round of the CCAC Tournament.  Despite a valiant effort by the seniors, PNC fell 2-1 to drop to the Losers Bracket of the double elimination tournament. The loss also moved PNC to 27-22 for the season.

It was a pitching duel up to the fifth inning as both pitchers gave it their all.  PNC broke up the double bagel when senior Betsy Maher hit a double to center field driving in senior Tracy Markwell to take the lead 1-0.

Olivet tied the game in the bottom of the seventh with a solo homerun. The Tigers then took advantage of a late error to take the lead for good at 2-1.

Freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges took the loss for the Lady Panthers pitching a complete game giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with no walks and nine strike outs.

The Lady Panthers will face St. Francis in round two of the CCAC at 5 p.m. St. Xavier University (Chicago, IL) is the host site for all the Conference Tourney games.

Playing their second double header in as many days, the PNC softballers took on Calumet College of St. Joseph Sunday at Portage High School. The Panthers needed to win both games to secure their spot as the sixth and final team in the CCAC Tournament. PNC stepped up big time to win 8-0 and 6-5 to improve to 27-21 on the season and 10-8 in conference play.

In game one, PNC registered 14 hits, led by freshman Sam Michalski's 2 hits and 2 RBI’s. Freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges took to the mound for the Lady Panthers, pitching a shut out and allowing only four hits. The righty hurler struck out six batters and walked only one.  Bridges advances to 11-6 on the year. The Lady Panthers won 8-0 in six innings due to the 8 run rule.

The Panthers would need extra innings to determine game two, as they came back to defeat the Crimson Wave 6-5 in nine innings. Michalski stayed hot at the plate, as she laced a double to the left field to bring in freshman right fielder Brittani Cain and freshman pitcher Jaci Williams, sending the game into extra innings.  Michalski then hit a double in the bottom of the ninth to score senior Jessica Brannagan to end the game 6-5.

Senior pitcher Alissa Whitaker started for the Lady Panthers pitching three complete innings and allowing only one run on two hits.  Freshman pitcher Jaci Williams took over in the fourth pitching three innings allowing three runs on four hits. Williams walked one batter and recorded two strikeouts.  Freshman Karissa Inglis took over in the seventh to pitch the final three innings. She allowed one run on four hits, striking out six.  Inglis earned the win for the Lady Panthers and advanced to 5-5 on the season.

The Lady Panthers finished the regular season 27-21, 10-8 in the CCAC.  PNC will face Olivet in round one on Monday April, 27, game time TBD. The tournament will be hosted by St. Xavier in Chicago, IL.

The Purdue North Central softball team swept an important CCAC doubleheader from visiting Cardinal Stritch University Saturday afternoon in Portage. The Panthers won by the scores of 1-0 in eight innings and 5-0 to advance to 25-21 on the season and 8-8 in the CCAC. The Wolves fell to 6-24 overall and 5-13 in conference.

The two wins were important for the Panthers as they host Calumet College of St. Joseph in a huge doubleheader tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Portage High School. If PNC wins one game they will earn the sixth and final spot in the CCAC Tournament starting Monday at St. Xavier. If Calumet sweeps they will gain the final spot. The two Stritch losses today eliminated any hope they had in gaining the final berth.

In a tough pitching duel PNC eaked out a 1-0 victory in game one behind freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges. Bridges went the distance and striked out an impressive 13 batters as she moved to 10-6 on the season. Fellow freshman Lindsay Gernenz drove in the only run of the game on a double .

The Panthers took an early lead in the second game as Gernenz drove in freshman Karissa Inglis and senior Tracy Markwell on a double. Senior Melissa Carson then sent Gernenz home with an RBI double of her own. PNC took advantage of throwing errors in the second to advance the lead to the final score of 5-0.

Senior pitcher Alissa Whitaker (8-3) threw a complete game and gave up six hits while striking out two.

Between games PNC's seniors Jessica Brannagan, Alissa Whitaker, Betsy Maher, Tracy Markwell and Melissa Carson were recognized for their outstanding careers and their impact on the program.

The five seniors started in Coach Jeff Boardman's first year and are largely responsible for the turnaround of the program. They finished 6-32 as freshman, 21-17 as sophomores, 25-21 as juniors and have a chance tomorrow to break the singles season wins record at PNC for the third consecutive season. Their commitment and leadership Panther softball will be missed.

The Purdue North Central softball team split a non-conference doubleheader Friday afternoon verses host Goshen College. The Panthers dropped the first game 6-4 before taking the second game 12-4. PNC is now 23-21 overall while the Maple Leafs moved to 11-28.

In the first game the Maple Leafs took the lead in the second on a solo home run before the Panthers answered with a RBI single by freshman Sam Michalski and a run-scoring double by freshman Lindsay Gernenz to take a 2-1 lead.

Goshen responded with a two-run homer to make it 3-2 after three innings of play.

Freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges helped her cause by driving in senior third baseman Melissa Carson in the top of the fourth to knot the game at 3-3.

However, the Maple Leafs retook the lead in the fifth inning with another homer to make it 4-3 and padded their lead in the sixth with two more runs to make it 6-3. The Panthers added one more run in the seventh but were unable to overcome the deficit.

Karissa Inglis, Gernenz, and Carson lead the Panthers offense with two hits each while Bridges fell to 9-6 on the season despite striking out eight against one walk.

In the second game PNC controlled the game from start to finish in the five inning victory due to the eight run rule.

The Panthers scored single runs apiece in the first two innings on RBI singles by Gernenz and freshman Jaci Williams. The Maple Leafs cut the lead in half in the third with another solo homerun before PNC took advantage of several errors by Goshen to expand their lead to 6-1 in the fourth.

The Panthers added six more runs in the fifth inning with four being plated on an Inglis grand slam and eventually went on to the easy 12-4 victory.

Inglis led the way again with three hits and four RBI while seniors Jessica Brannagan and Tracy Markwell drove in two runs each.

Senior Alissa Whitaker pitched a complete game walking two and striking out four to move to 7-3 overall.

PNC will be back in action on Saturday when they host Cardinal Stritch in a CCAC doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. at Portage High School.

The Panthers traveled to Bourbonnais, IL on Thursday to take on the Olivet Nazarene Tigers. Olivet did not play the friendly host as they beat PNC 5-4 in the first game and 4-1 in the second game. The losses drop the Panthers to 22-20 on the season and 6-8 in the conference.

Senior Jessica Brannagan led the Panthers offensively in the first game going 2 for 3 with a single and her first collegiate homerun. Freshman Karissa Inglis also went 2 for 3 with 2 singles and classmate Sam Michalski went 2 for 3 with a single and a triple. Rookie Brittany Bridges pitched 6 innings allowing 5 runs off of 4 Tiger hits. Bridges recorded 4 strikeouts on the day and walked just 1 batter..

In the second game the Panthers were held to 5 hits of which 2 came from Freshman Megan Olson. Olson was 2 for 2 with a single and a double. Freshmen Sam Michalski and Brittani Cain each had a single for the Panthers, as did Senior Betsy Maher in her first game back from a knee injury. Freshman starter Karissa Inglis pitched 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 2 and walking 1. Senior pitcher Alissa Whitaker gave up 3 hits in relief.

The Panthers will have the weekend off before getting back to the action on Monday, April 20 at St. Francis in Fort Wayne, IN. The double header will start at 2 p.m.

The Panthers took to the diamond on Wednesday to play a CCAC doubleheader against Judson University. PNC lost the first game 4-3 but came back strong in the second game to win 6-2 and salvage a split. The Panthers moved to 22-18 on the year and 6-6 in CCAC action.

In game one the PNC bats could only manage 4 hits to help Freshman pitcher Karissa Inglis. Senior Tracy Markwell and Freshman Sam Michalski each had singles while Senior Melissa Carson had a double and Inglis had a triple. Inglis pitched 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 4 runs and walking 1 batter.

Game two was a different story for the Panthers offensively as they exploded for 6 runs. Senior Jessica Branngan led the Panthers attack going 2 for 3 with two singles. Freshman Lindsay Gernenz went 3 for 4 with three singles while Carson added two singles as well. Freshman Brittany Bridges pitched the complete game and gave up two runs on only three hits. The hurler did not walk a Judson player.

The Panthers will be back in action tomorrow as they take on CCAC powerhouse Olivet Nazarene in Bourbonnais, IL. The first game of the double header will start at 3 p.m.

The Lady Panthers played two games on day two of the Iowa Wesleyan Tourney. PNC started the day defeating Harris-Stowe State University 4-0. Game two saw the Lady Panthers struggle offensively against William Penn University, losing 6-0. The split moved PNC to 21-17 on the year.

In game one the Lady Panthers scored first on a sacrifice bunt from freshman shortstop Sam Michalski scoring senior second baseman Jessica Brannagan. PNC added to their lead in the second with a hit from freshman pitcher Brittany Bridges that scored senior third baseman, Melissa Carson. The team added two more runs in the sixth inning to increase their lead to four. Bridges threw a scoreless game allowing only three hits and striking out six. Her record moved to 7-4 on the season.

In their final game of the Iowa Wesleyan Tournament, PNC managed only four hits in their loss to William Penn University. Michalski led the way with two hits while Brannagan and Carson each contributed a hit respectively. Freshman pitcher Brittani Cain started for PNC giving up six runs on four hits. Freshman Jaci Williams came in to finish the final four innings and gave up one run on five hits. Cain took the loss and moves to 1-1 on the season.

PNC resumes conference play on Monday April 13th, when they host Judson College at Imagination Glen in Portage, Indiana. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

The PNC softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with Iowa Wesleyan College Thursday evening in Mt. Pleasant, IA. The Panthers are now 19-14 overall while the Tigers moved to 11-17.

The Panthers outhit the Tigers 13 to 2 in game one, winning 8-2. Freshman Lindsay Gernenz led the way with three hits, including a double, a homerun and three RBI. Senior Tracy Markwell also had three hits, including a double while while senior Jessica Brannagan and freshman Megan Olson (2 RBI) added two hits each. Freshman Karissa Inglis contributed two RBI's for the Panthers.

Freshman Brittany Bridges (6-3) pitched 5 innings for the Panthers, giving up one unearned run on one while striking out five. Senior Alissa Whitaker finished the game and gave up one run on one hit.

In the second game the Panthers fell 6-4 after leading 4-3 going into the bottom of the fifth inning.

Freshman Sam Michalski led the offense with two hits (double) and an RBI. Senior Melissa Carson also collected two hits while Gernenz led PNC with two RBI's.

Inglis started on the mound and gave up all six runs (2 earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out four. Whitaker finished off the game allowing one hit and striking out 1. The Panthers were outhit 8-5 overall and both teams committed two errors.

PNC plays again tomorrow in a tournament hosted by Iowa Wesleyan. The Panthers will play three games tomorrow and two on Saturday to complete the weekend trip. The first game Friday is versus Lindenwood University (MO) at 12 p.m., the second against St. Ambrose University of Iowa at 1:45 and the third versus Hannibal LaGrange (MO) at 5:15.

The PNC Softball team seemed to enjoy their new home as they took two games from Mt. Mary College on Saturday to improve to 18-13 on the season. Both games were won by a score of 13-1 in 5 innings.

PNC was led in the first game by Freshman Amber Pierce who went 1-1 with a base hit. Pierce was joined by Lindsay Gernenz, Melissa Carson, Brittani Cain, and Jaci Williams who were all 1-2 on the game. Alissa Whitaker pitched 4 of the 5 innings and allowed only 1 run. The senior scattered 3 hits and struck out 10 batters. Brittani Cain completed the game allowing no hits or runs and walking 1.

The second game was much of the same for the Panthers who were led by Karissa Inglis' three singles (3-4). Megan Olson was 2-4 with two singles while Sam Michalski also contributed two hits.

Senior hurler Tracy Markwell pitched 4 innings allowing 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 8. Cain came in as a reliever and gave up 2 hits and 1 walk.

The Panthers will ride their hot streak into the Iowa Wesleyan tournament next weekend. PNC will play three games on Friday, April 10 and come back for a double header Saturday, April 11.

The Purdue North Central softball team swept a CCAC doubleheader from Trinity Christian College Friday afternoon in Portage. The Panthers won both games in five innings by the scores of 9-1 and 8-0 to move their record to 16-13 overall and 5-5 in the conference. The Trolls dropped to 3-23 and 0-4.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by Lindsay Gernenz with three hits (triple) and three RBI. Megan Olson and Natalie Studtman each had two hits while Karissa Inglis added a triple. Six different players had RBI's for the Panthers, who outhit the Trolls 10-3.

Brittany Bridges went the distance for PNC, allowing just the one run on three hits with no walks while striking out five.

In the second game Inglis tossed a four hit shutout with a walk while striking out four.

Jessica Brannagan and Melissa Carson (double) each had two hits for the Panthers while Inglis led PNC with two RBI's. The Panthers had five hits overall but took advantage of eight Troll walks.

The Panthers play again tomorrow versus Mount Mary College in a non-conference doubleheader at Imagination Glen Park in Portage. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The PNC Softball team played their second double header in as many days Thursday when they traveled to Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. The Panthers easily took to the first game over the Lancers 7-0 but lost the second one 3-2. The split moved the Panthers to 14-13 on the season.

Freshman Lindsay Gernenz and Senior Melissa Carson led the Panthers at the plate in the first game. Gernenz went 3 for 4 with 2 singles, a double and 2 RBIs. Carson added a 2-RBI double. Tracy Markwell, Karissa Inglis, and Jaci Williams all had 2 hits with 4 appearances at the plate. Alissa Whitaker pitched a complete game, 2-hit shutout, striking out 6 and walking 6.

The hot Panther bats cooled off in the second game, as PNC managed only 4 hits for the entire game. Senior Tracy Markwell pitched a complete game giving up only 2 earned runs but could not get much help from the offense. Senior Jessica Brannagan had 1 hit and scored for the Panthers and Freshman Megan Olson had a hit and 2 RBI's.

The Panthers keep rolling as they play a double header tomorrow against CCAC opponent Trinity Christian College. The home game for the Panthers will be played at Imagination Glen in Portage, IN at 3 p.m.

The Panthers traveled to University of Saint Francis (Joliet, IL) on Wednesday April 1, 2009 to play a conference double header originally scheduled to be played on March 29 at PNC. The Panthers won the first game 6-0 and dropped the second game 6-1, moving Purdue North Central to 3-5 in conference play and 13-12 overall. The host Saints moved to 7-13 overall and 1-1 in CCAC contests.

In game one the PNC offensive attack was led by Lindsay Gernenz with her first collegiate grand slam in the 3rd inning. Megan Olson and Tracy Markwell each contributed 2 singles to the win, while Melissa Carson added 2 doubles. Brittany Bridges held off the Saints with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks. Bridges only allowed 3 hits on the day.

Game two proved to be more of a struggle for the Panthers. Carson stayed hot at the plate as she belted 2 singles for her third and fourth hits of the day. Natalie Studtman, Karissa Inglis and Jessica Brannagan each contributed a single and Studtman had the only RBI of the game.

Freshman hurler Jaci Williams threw 2 tough innings for the Panthers allowing 5 runs, 4 hits and 2 walks. Inglis came in to finish off the game allowing 2 runs and 3 hits.

PNC will travel to Grace College tomorrow to play a doubleheader against the Lancers in Winona Lake, IN. The first game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team took two from Trinity International on Saturday afternoon in Deerfield, IL. The wins advanced the Panthers to 2-4 in CCAC play and 12-11 overall. Trinity International suffered their first two conference losses (0-2) and dropped to 3-15 on the season.

The Panthers defeated the Trojans 10-0 in five innings in the first game. Lindsay Gernenz led the Panthers going 3 for 3 with two singles and a double while collecting 2 RBIs. Megan Olson was 3 for 4 with three singles and 1 RBI. Tracy Markwell went 2 for 3 with two double and 3 RBIs. Jessica Brannagan went 2 for 4 with two singles while Melissa Carson and Brittany Bridges each had an RBI.

Karissa Inglis pitched for the Panthers and went the distance striking out 3 and giving up 5 hits and no runs.

PNC put up another 10-spot in game two as they cruised to a 10-2 victory. Melissa Carson led the offensive attack going 4 for 5 with 3 singles and a double while driving in 5 of the Panthers 10 runs. Brannagan, Inglis, Sam Michalski and Gernenz all went 2 for 5 registering 6 singles and 2 doubles among them. Olson also had a single for the Panthers.

Alissa Whitaker started on the mound and pitched 5 innings for PNC, striking out 3 and giving up 3 hits. Whitaker's one mistake was a 2-run home run by Trojan first baseman Arielle Ogorek. Brittany Bridges took the ball in relief and struck out 5 batters, giving up only 1 hit and walking 1.

The Panthers hope to stay hot as they take on St. Francis University on April 1 in Joliet, IL. The game was originally scheduled to be a Panther home game on March 29, but was rescheduled due to rain.

The Purdue North Central softball team fell twice by identical scores of 2-0 to Robert Morris College Thursday evening in Bensonville, IL. The Panthers fell to 10-11 overall and 0-4 in conference play while the Eagles improved to 14-10 and 4-0.

In the first game the Panthers battled hard but managed just four hits in the 2-0 loss. Senior Tracy Markwell led the way with two, including a double while freshman Megan Olson and senior Melissa Carson added one hit apiece.

Freshman Jaci Williams went the distance for the Panthers, giving up both runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out one.

In the second game the Panthers improved to six hits but couldn't get a run across the plate in the 2-0 defeat. Freshman Lindsey Gernenz led the Panthers with two hits. Fellow freshman Brittany Bridges had a strong outing for PNC, giving up both runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven in the complete game effort.

The Panthers play again on Saturday when they take on Trinity International in a CCAC Doubleheader at 12 p.m. in Deerfield, IL.

The Purdue North Central softball team dropped a doubleheader to visiting St. Xavier in their CCAC opener. The Panther fell 9-0 (5 innings) in game one and 3-0 in game two. PNC is now 10-9 overall and 0-2 in conference while St. Xavier improved to 12-11 and 3-1.

In the first game St. Xavier scored two runs in the first inning and six more in the second to jump out to a commanding lead. The Panthers didn't have a hit until their last at bats in the fifth inning when freshmen Lindsay Gernenz hit a double. Senior Tracy Markwell followed with PNC's only other hit on a sharp single and freshman Brittani Cain reached on a walk but the Panthers weren't able to capitalize.

Senior Alissa Whitaker took the loss, giving up all eight runs (only two earned) on six hits in her two innings of work. Freshman Jaci Williams gave up one run on two hits while striking out six over the final three innings to finish the game.

In the second game the Panthers fought hard but their offense fell short again managing just four singles by four different players. Freshman Brittany Bridges took the loss allowing three runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out four in 5 innings of work. Freshman Karissa Inglis took over in the 6th inning and gave up two hits while striking out one.

The Panthers play again on Thursday when the take on CCAC foe Robert Morris in a doubleheader at 4 p.m. in Chicago.

The Purdue North Central softball team moved to 10-7 overall with a doubleheader sweep versus non-conference opponent Taylor University Tuesday afternoon at Patriot Park in Michigan City. The Trojans fell to 4-6.

PNC won the first game 7-4 as Lindsay Gernenz, Megan Olson and Sam Michalski each picked up 2 RBI's on a single, two singles and a double respectively. Tracy Markwell added two hits and an RBI. Alissa Whitaker (2-1) went the distance, giving up the 4 runs (1 earned) on 9 hits while striking out 6.

In game two the Panther defeated the Trojans 5-2 as Karissa Inglis and Michalski led PNC with two hits each. Inglis had a single, double and 1 RBI while Michalski had a single, triple and 1 RBI. Markwell contributed two more hits while Brittany Bridges and Jessica Brannagan each had an RBI. Bridges (3-2) earned the win, giving up 9 hits and a walk while striking out 8 in 7 innings.

The Panthers play again on Tuesday when they open up conference play versus St. Xavier at 3 p.m. in Michigan City. St. Xavier is currently 8-9 on the year.

The Purdue North Central softball team finished 8-7 on their annual spring break trip to Tucson, AZ. The Panthers started out red hot at 6-1 but finished the second half of the trip 2-5.

PNC split two games on Friday, March 6th to start the trip at 1-1. In game one the Panthers defeated Concordia University (IL) 6-4 behind the leadership of five seniors. Jessica Brannagan was 4 for 4 with a double, triple and 2 runs scored while Melissa Carson had two hits including a 2-run homer. Betsy Maher added 2 hits and an RBI and Tracy Markwell contributed a double. Finally, Alissa Whitaker pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs while giving up 9 hits and striking out 1.

In the second game PNC fell in the 7th inning to regionally ranked Madonna University (MI) 3-2. Freshman Sam Michalski led the Panthers with 2 hits, including a double. In the 4th inning freshman Brittany Bridges laced an RBI double and Maher added an RBI single to account for PNC's runs. Freshmen Jaci Williams picked up the loss in her first collegiate appearance, giving up one run on four hits while striking out one in 1.1 innings of work. Markwell started for the Panthers and gave up two runs on 10 hits with one strikeout in 5 innings.

On Saturday the Panthers swept a triple header to move to 4-1 overall. In the first game PNC defeated Sienna Heights University (MI) 8-0. Carson led the attack with 3 doubles, 4 RBI's and two runs. Bridges added 2 doubles and 2 runs while pitching 5 scoreless innings, giving up four singles while punching out 6. Freshman Karissa Inglis closed for the Panthers with two hitless innings while collecting 4 strikeouts. Markwell finished the scoring with a 2-run double in the 7th inning.

In the second game PNC won a slugfest over regionally ranked Aquinas College (MI) in 8 innings by the score of 13-9. Carson led the Panther attack with a double, single, her second homerun of the trip and five RBI's. Michalski added three RBI's on two singles and a double while Bridges knocked out her first collegiate homer and a single. Inglis, freshman Lindsay Gernenz and Markwell all had multi-hit games for the Panthers, who outhit Aquinas 16-13. PNC split the pitching duties up and Inglis earned her first collegiate win pitching the final 3.2 innings in relief. She gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out one. The Panthers rallied by scoring four runs in the seventh and five more in the eighth to overcome an 8-4 deficit.

In their fifth game in two days the tired Panthers managed a 3-0 victory over Cornerstone University (MI) behind the strong pitching of Inglis and Whitaker. Inglis gave up three hits and a walk with two strikeouts in five innings while Whitaker tossed two hitless innings while striking out three to finish the game. Brannagan was the only Panther with two hits and Carson led the way with two RBI's. 

The Panthers returned to action on Monday with a doubleheader sweep versus Peru State (NE) for their 6th win in seven games in three days. In the first game the Panthers won 6-5 with another late rally to overcome a 4-2 deficit entering the seventh inning. PNC scored three runs in the seventh and one more in the eighth after Peru State forced extra innings with one run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Maher led the offense with two hits and four RBI's including a triple. Freshman Amber Pierce added two hits and an RBI while Inglis (3 hits), Brannagan (2 hits, double, RBI) and Michalski (2 hits) all had big games for the Panthers. Whitaker allowed five runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out five in seven innings. Williams came on and struck out two while giving up a hit and walk in a scoreless eighth to earn the win.

In the second game the Panthers outslugged Peru State 12-9 while picking up 16 hits compared to 13 for their opponent. Gernenz had a big day at the plate, going a perfect 3-3 with 5 RBI's and 2 runs scored. Freshman Megan Olson, Carson, Maher, Michalski, and Brannagan all contributed 2 hits as well and Maher had 3 RBI's. The Panthers took a 12-7 lead into the top of the 7th inning, but Peru State came back with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning before the comeback was stopped short. The Panthers played pitcher-by-committee for the game, as Bridges, Brittani Cain, Williams, and Inglis all saw action on the mound. Cain (1-0) got the win going 2.2 innings and scattered 6 hits but allowed only 2 runs.

The team was back to the grind on Tuesday when they took on Jamestown College (ND). The Panthers got out to a 6-3 lead after 5 innings, but the Jimmies fought back to tie the game 6-6 after 7. Jamestown completed the comeback with a run in the bottom of the 8th to win 7-6. Inglis battled the Jimmies through 5 innings allowing 3 runs no walks and 1 strike out. Bridges relieved Inglis in the sixth and Whitaker faced 3 batters in the bottom of the 8th as she took the loss on the game, giving up 1 hit and the game-winning run. Inglis helped her own cause on the mound going 2-3 at the plate with a double, and was helped out by Brannagan, Michalski, Maher, Markwell (double), Carson, and Olson (triple), who each had 1 hit on the game.

The Panthers had little time to think about the Jamestown loss as they came right back to take on Northwestern College (IA) at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Despite playing 8 innings in the first game, the Panthers out-hit Northwestern 7 to 3 on the game but still fell 4-3. Gernenz and Maher each went 2-3 and scored on the game while Maher also had an RBI. Whitaker was impressive on the mound as she allowed only 1 hit and had 6 strike outs through 6 innings. Defense was the difference of the game for the Panthers, as they committed 4 errors to Northwestern's 0.

After finishing 9 games in 5 days, the Panthers were ready for their toughest stretch of the tournament, as they played three games on Wednesday. The first game featured the Panthers and 5th ranked Simon Frasier (CN). The Panthers (6-3) fell behind 3-0 early and could not come back, losing 5-2. Inglis and Gernenz led the Panthers at the plate going 2 for 4 while Michalski and Carson each had 1 RBI. The Panthers started Markwell on the mound, who gave up 8 hits and 5 runs in 3 innings of work in the losing effort. Inglis and Whitaker went the rest of the game allowing only 1 hit and 0 runs, but the Panthers could not come back from the deficit.

PNC came back in the second game Wednesday to beat College of St. Mary (ND) 3-1. The young guns came up big for PNC at the plate and on the mound, as Olson was 2-3 and classmate Gernenz was 2-2 with a home run and a single. Bridges went the distance on the mound, scattering 7 hits in 7 innings and allowing only 1 run to pick up the win.

In the third game of the day the Panthers took on St. Ambrose (IA) in a game that would require 8 innings before St. Ambrose eventually won 7-6. The loss dropped PNC to 7-5 overall. Gernenz led the Panthers on offense, going 3-4 with 2 RBI's while Maher pitched in 2 hits (2-4) with 1 RBI. PNC's pitching staff recorded 4 strikeouts, 3 by Inglis in a losing effort. Whitaker started the game and went 4.1 innings and gave up 4 runs on 10 hits with 1 strikeout. Williams pitched 1 inning and gave up 2 hits but no runs.

PNC played their final three games on Thursday after a triple header the day before. In the first game of the day, the Panthers beat Mount Marty (SD) 11-3 in 5 innings. Mount Marty came out strong scoring 3 runs in the top half of the first inning. The Panthers answered back scoring 5 in the first on just 2 hits. Cain led the way going 2 for 3 with 2 RBI's on the day. Pitcher Jaci Williams had 5 strike outs, allowing no runs and giving up 1 walk, as she entered the game in the first inning and went the distance. The Panthers moved to 8-5 on their season.

In the second game of the day the Panthers battled hard against Dickinson State (ND), who is ranked 5 th in the nation, but came up short 8-0 in 5 innings. The Panthers had runners in scoring position 4 out of the 5 innings of play. The Panthers drew 6 walks with 2 hits (Olson, Bridges). Inglis only allowed 6 hits and walked 1 batter.

The Panthers played the last game of the day and the tournament against Minot State University (ND). The Panthers were led by Inglis and Bridges, who each went 2 for 4 with 2 singles. Markwell also went 2 for 4 with a single and a double. Bridges struck out 5 batters, allowing only 3 hits and walking 1. She pitched 6.1 innings before giving the ball to Williams who closed out the game with 1 hit and no runs.

The Panthers return home and take on Taylor University in a double header at Patriot Park in Michigan City on Tuesday, March 17. The first game will start at 3 p.m.