The PNC softball team split the double header day with CCAC rival Cardinal Stritch University.  The Panthers end their season with a record of 27-29 and a conference record of 6-11.
           
Stritch out hit the Panthers in game one but PNC was able to take advantage of crucial errors to take the win 4-0.  Megan Olson scored on a Stritch error in the first to take the lead 1-0.  Lindsay Brandner extended the lead for the Panthers in the fifth, scoring on a ground out by Sandi Downs.  The duo repeated the act in the seventh scoring the third run of the game.  Downs then scored PNC’s fourth run on a Nickole Nickoson ground out to second.
           
Stritch had five hits in the game but were unable to string them together to bring a run across the plate.  Erin Burleson takes the win for PNC pitching five innings allowing four hits and striking out three.  Amanda Jones closed out the game allowing one hit, walking two and striking out three.
           
Lindsay Brandner and Sandi Downs led the offense with Brandner having two hits and one rbi and Downs getting one hit and two rbi’s.

Game two saw both teams stand strong defensively until the third.  In the top of the third PNC took advantage of a Stritch error to score Lindsay Brandner.  Sandi Downs then scored on a single by Nickole Nickoson.  Nickoson then scored on a single by Sam Michalski to take the lead 3-0.  Stritch answered back in the bottom of the fourth scoring two runs and cutting the lead to one.  Nickoson scored in the top of the fifth on a pass ball to extend the lead to two but it was Cardinal Stritch that would come out on top this game.  Four of Stritch’s five hits came in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring three runs to take the lead.  A solid defensive showing at the end of the game kept PNC off the score board giving Stritch the come from behind win 5-4.

The Panthers begin to look forward to the 2011 season with a strong returning squad and a strong recruiting class.  The 2010 squad ends the year with the second most wins and fourth best winning percentage.

PNC softballers extend their winning streak to six after taking two from Grace College 4-0 and 9-0.  The Panthers advance to 26-29 on the year.
           
In game one of the double header, PNC jumped out to a three nothing lead in the first. The Panthers took advantage of Lancer errors to put runners in scoring position.  Karissa Inglis scored Megan Olson with a single to right field.  Sam Michalski scored on a fielding error by the Lancers and Inglis scored on a hit by Lindsay Brandner.
           
Grace base runners only saw third base twice in the game as a strong Panther defense kept the Lancers from advancing.  Erin Burleson started the game for PNC going five innings allowing five hits, walking one and striking out eight.  Amanda Jones closed out the game pitching the last two innings allowing one hit walking two and striking out one.
           
Five hits was all it took for the Panther offense to earn the win.  Nickole Nickoson and Karissa Inglis both earned one hit and one rbi.  Megan Olson, Sam Michalski, and Brittani Cain rounded out the five hits for the team.

Power pitching and a strong defense prevent Grace from earning a single hit in game two.  Brittany Bridges took the circle for PNC pitching a complete game going five innings walking only one, (Grace’s only base runner) and striking out eight.  Strong defense helped secure the no hitter for Bridges.
           
The Panther offense ensured a game shortened win with nine runs on 13 hits in five innings.  The game ended in the fifth inning due to the eight run rule.  Erin Burleson led the way for PNC with three hits and two rbi’s.  Amanda Jones added two hits and two rbi’s while karissa Inglis added two hits and one rbi.  Nickole Nickoson, Megan Olson, Sam Michalski, Lindsay Brandner, Jordan Jones, and Sandi Downs also added a hit in the game.

The Panthers will be back in action on Wednesday April 28th, 2010 when they travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to take on CCAC rival Cardinal Stritch.

PNC defeated Goshen College in a double header Friday afternoon by the scores of 6-5 and 5-4.  PNC advances to 24-29 on the season and pushes the winning streak to four.
           
Game one saw PNC come from behind to take the win 6-5.  Goshen started strong scoring two in the bottom of the first.  Goshen added to the lead with a run in the bottom of the third.  The Panthers scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning cutting the lead to one.  PNC took the lead in the top of the sixth scoring three runs pushing the score to 5-3.  The Panthers then added an insurance run in the top of the seventh.  Goshen came on strong in the bottom of the seventh scoring two runs but came up short as PNC takes the win 6-5.
           
Erin Burleson takes the win for PNC pitching a complete game allowing five runs, three earned on eight hits, walking one and striking out four. 
           
Santana Bozman led the way offensively with one hit and two rbi’s.  Karissa Inglis and Sandi Downs also had a hit and an rbi.

Game two was another close game with PNC prevailing 5-4.  PNC jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first and added another in the second to take the lead 3-0.  Goshen cut the lead to one in the bottom of the third scoring two runs.  PNC answered back in the top of the fourth scoring one run, pushing the score to 4-2.  Goshen then scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth tying the game a four.  PNC was able to get a run across the plate in the seventh when Megan Olson scored on a Sam Michalski double.  A strong defensive effort by PNC in the bottom of the seventh kept Goshen from scoring, ending the game with the Panthers winning 5-4.
           
Karissa Inglis started the game going four innings allowing four runs, three earned, on ten hits, striking out one.  Amanda Jones takes the win going the final three innings allowing one hit, walking one and striking out four.
           
Michalski led the offense with three hits and two rbi’s and Amanda Jones followed her with two hits and one RBI.

The Panthers will be back in action on Monday, April 27, 2010 when they host Grace College for their final home stand of the season. Game time is at 3:00 pm.

PNC defeated St. Francis University, Fort Wayne 4-1 and 12-3 ending their nine game losing streak.  The Panthers advance to 22-29 on the season.
           
St. Francis scored first scoring one run in the top of the second.  PNC answered back in the bottom of the second when Megan Olson hit a single up the middle to score Megan Olson to tie the game 1-1.  The Panthers then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth taking advantage of a couple of miscues from St. Francis allowing PNC to score two runs and take the lead 3-1.  PNC then added an insurance run in the bottom of the six.  St. Francis went three up, three down in the top of the seventh giving PNC the win 4-1.
           
Erin Burleson takes the win for the Panthers, pitching a complete games allowing one run on five hits, walking one and striking out two.  Megan Olson lead the offense for PNC with two hits and one rbi.  Nickole Nickoson and Sam Michalski also had a hit and and rbi.

The Panthers turned on the offense in game two.  St. Francis scored a run off a PNC error taking the lead 1-0 in the top of the first.  The Panthers then took charge scoring eight runs in the bottom of the first.  St. Francis cut into the lead scoring two runs in the top of the second.  PNC scored four more runs in the bottom of the fourth pushing the score to 12-3.  St. Francis was unable to close the gap and the game ended in the fifth by the eight run rule 12-3.
           
Karissa Inglis takes the win for PNC pitching five complete innings allowing three runs, one earned, on five hits, striking out one.  Lindsay Brander led the way offensively with three hits and two rbi’s. 

The Panthers will be back in action on April 23rd when they travel to Goshen College.  Game time 2:00 pm eastern.

PNC’s slump continued in day two of the St. Francis University Tournament losing to Cardinal Stritch 9-5.  The Panthers’ day started out right scoring four runs in the bottom of the first.  Stritch then began to take charge in the third inning getting on the board with one run.  PNC answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the third.  That was that for the Panthers as Cardinal Stritch took full control in the fourth inning.  Stritch scored three in the top of the fourth cutting the PNC lead to one.  Stritch then scored four in the fifth taking the lead 8-5.  Cardinal Stritch added an insurance run in the top of the seventh pushing the lead to four.  The Panthers had nine hits on the day but were unable to string any together in the final innings losing to Cardinal Stritch 9-5.
           
Erin Burleson took the loss for the Panthers going five and one third innings allowing eight runs on ten hits striking out three.  Amber Welsh finished out the game going one and two thirds innings allowing one run on one hit, walking three and striking out two.

PNC lost their final game of the St. Francis Tournament to Robert Morris University 6-1 pushing their losing streak to nine games.  This is the longest losing streak this season for the Panthers with the previous streak being six in late March. 
           
A strong defensive battle kept the score 0-0 through five innings.  Robert Morris scored first in the top of the sixth brining two runs across the plate and taking the lead 2-0.  The Panthers scored one in the bottom of the sixth cutting the lead by one.  Robert Morris took advantage of some Panther miscues scoring four runs in the top of the seventh extending their lead 6-1.  PNC was unable to score in the bottom of the seventh giving the win to Robert Morris 6-1.
           
PNC moves to 20-29 on the season and 5-11 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The Panthers look to right the ship when they host St. Francis University Fort Wayne on Monday, April 19, 2010, first pitch 2:00 pm.

The Panthers had a strong showing in their loss to nationally rank Bethel College losing 5-2 on April 17, 2010.  PNC faced Bethel in their first game of the St. Francis Tournament.  After a 0-0 first inning, Bethel scored three runs in the top of the third.  PNC answered back scoring one and cutting the lead to two.  Bethel came back in the top of the second scoring two runs on back to back homers.  The Panther defense buckled down and kept Bethel off the score board in the last four innings.  PNC scored another run in the fifth but were unable to overcome Bethel’s strong defense losing 5-2.
           
Karissa Inglis led the way offensively with three hits while Nicole Nickoson, Megan Olson, Lindsay Brandner, Erin Burleson and Sandi downs all had one hit.
           
Amanda Jones takes the loss for PNC pitching five complete innings allowing five runs on six hits and walking two.  Amber Welsh closed out the game, pitching the last two innings allowing no runs on no hits, walking one.

In game two, It took an extra inning for St. Francis to take the win from PNC 6-4.  A 0-0 score through three inning, St. Francis broke out first in the third scoring three runs.  The Saints added to their lead in the top of the fifth scoring one run, pushing the score to 4-0.  PNC then went to work in the bottom of the fifth when Karissa Inglis hit a double into left field scoring Nicole Nickoson and Sandi Downs, and cutting the lead to two.  Inglis repeated the performance in the bottom of the seventh scoring Nickoson and Downs again, tying the game and sending it into the eighth inning.  The Saints were able to capitalize on errors by the Panthers scoring two runs in the top of the eighth.  PNC was unable to answer in the bottom of the eighth handing the win to the Saints 6-4.
           
Game three pitted PNC against Hannibal-LaGrange in game three of the St. Francis Tourney.  The Panthers had a good offensive showing having eleven hits in the game but were unable to string them together, losing 7-5.
           
PNC struck first when Lindsay Gernenz scored Karissa Inglis.  Hannibal-LaGrange answered back scoring two in the bottom of the second and taking the lead 2-1.  PNC tied the game in the top of the second when Erin Burleson scored on a sacrifice fly by Amanda Jones.  Hannibal took the lead back in the bottom of the third scoring one run.  The Panthers once again tied the game in the top of the fourth scoring a run and then took the lead in the top of the fourth and scored another run in the top of the fifth, taking the lead 4-3.  Hannibal came back with a vengeance in the bottom of the fifth scoring two runs of their own retaking the lead 5-4.  Hannibal added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth scoring two more runs and extending the lead 7-4.  PNC added a run in the top of the seventh but came up short as Hannibal-LaGrange takes the win 7-4.
           
PNC drops to 20-27 on the season.  The Panthers will be back in action tomorrow, April 18, 2010 when they will face Cardinal Stritch University in day two of the St. Francis University Softball Tournament.  First pitch 1:30 pm.  
     

Purdue North Central was defeated by the visiting Olivet Nazarene Tigers 7-2 and 9-1.  The Panthers move to 20-24 on the year and 5-11 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. 
           
Game one of the double header saw a very sound Olivet team.  Offensively, Olivet scored seven runs on eleven hits with a long solo hit to left center by Jarrett in the fifth.  The Panther offense also had eight hits but only mustered two runs.  The game ended with Olivet winning 7-2.
           
Defensively, PNC was led by Karissa Inglis, pitching a complete game allowing seven runs on eleven hits, five earned, striking out six and walking one.
           
Game two saw more of the same from the Tigers scoring nine runs and capitalizing on miscues by PNC.  The Panther hitting did improve in game two but still unable to push runs across the plate.  Olivet took the win in the fifth inning 9-1 due to the eight run rule.
           
Brittany Bridges started in the circle for PNC going two and two thirds innings allowing six runs, four earned, on four hits striking out two and walking three.  Amanda Jones offered middle relief for PNC going one and one third innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on one hit and walking two.  Amber Welsh closed out the game pitching the final inning allowing no runs and striking out one.
           
The Panthers will travel to Joliet, Illinois to take part in the St. Francis Softball Tournament Saturday and Sunday April 17th and 18th.  Start time to be announced.

PNC softball dropped two to Judson University Tuesday 4-12-10, losing 4-3 and 10-2.  The Panthers move to 20-22 on the season and 5-9 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.  PNC will be back in action on Thursday April 15 when they host Olivet Nazarene University.  First pitch 3:00 pm.
           
A close game one goes to the Eagles in the sixth inning.  PNC scored first in the top of the third inning when Erin Burleson scored on a single by Megan Olson.  Judson tied and then took the lead on back-to-back homers by Dimiceli and Jacobson in the bottom of the fourth.  The Panthers answered back with two runs of their own in the top of the sixth when Sam Michalski scored on a single by pinch hitter Santana Bozman.  Bozman then scored on a double by Burleson giving the lead back to PNC at 3-2.  But the Eagles would not go quietly as Secor batted in Dimiceli and Holm to retake the lead 4-3.  The Eagles were able to able to hold the Panthers in the top of the seventh taking the win 4-3.
           
Megan Olson and Erin Burleson led the offense for the Panthers, both with two hits and one RBI. Santana Bozman also had a hit and an RBI.
           
Brittany Bridges was the starting pitcher for the Panthers going five complete innings allowing two runs on three hits walking two and striking out four.  Karissa Inglis takes the loss for the Panthers pitching one inning and allowing two runs on four hits and striking out one.
           
The Eagle offense came to life in game two.  Judson got on the board with one run in the first.  Judson had a big second inning scoring six runs.  Two runs coming off of a Catlett homer to right center.  The Panthers mustered two runs off a Sam Michalski double that scored Megan Olson and Karissa Inglis.  The Eagles answered back in the bottom of the sixth when Dimiceli hit a two run homer scoring herself and Lampugnano.  Judson took the win when Secor scored off a double by Catlett ending the game in the bottom of the sixth by the eight run rule with Judson taking the win 10-2.
           
The Panther offense was led by Sam Michalski with one hit and two RBI’s.  Megan Olson, Karissa Inglis, and Amanda Jones also added hits for PNC.
           
Amanda Jones started for the Panther defense going one and two thirds innings allowing seven runs, four earned, on five hits walking two and striking out one.  Jaci Williams finished out the game going two and one third innings allowing three runs on five hits walking one and striking out one.
           
PNC will be back in action on Thursday April 15 when they host Olivet Nazarene University at Patriot Park in Michigan City.  First pitch 3:00 pm.

The Panther softballers were 1-1 on the day losing to Hannibal LaGrange 1-0 and winning against Iowa Wesleyan 10-9.  The Panthers move to 20-20 on the season and return home to face conference rival Judson University on Monday 4-12-10.
           
A pass ball in the first allows Hannibal-LaGrange to score the only run of the game and gives them the win 1-0 against PNC.  The Panthers outhit Hannibal 7-1 but was unable to string the hits together to push a run across the plate. 
           
Lindsay Brandner led the way offensively for PNC with two hits while Michalski, Gernenz, Jones, Cain and Williams all had one respectively.
           
Defensively, Brittany Bridges allowed only one unearned run, off of one hit walking two and striking out seven.

The Panthers came out on top of a hitters’ duel in the final game of their Iowa trip defeating Iowa Wesleyan 10-9.  PNC jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.  Iowa answered back in the bottom of the second scoring one run and cutting the lead in half.

PNC came back in the top of the third adding two runs and extending the lead to 4-1.  Iowa again cut into the lead in the bottom of the fourth scoring two runs making the score 4-3.  The Panthers added on in the top of the sixth moving the score to 5-3.  Iowa scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, tying the game up at 5-5. 

The Panthers answered back big in the top of the eighth scoring five runs, one being a three run homer from Sam Michalski.  Iowa came back scoring four of their own but came up one run short as the Panthers take the win 10-9
           
Lindsay Gernenz and Sam Michalski led the way for the offense with two hits and three rbi’s.  Nicole Nickoson had two hits and one rbi.  Sandi Downs and Erin Burleson had one hit and one rbi.  Megan Olson had three hits and Brittani Cain added a hit as well.
           
Defensively, Amanda Jones pitched a complete game allowing nine runs on twelve hits walking five and striking out five.

The Panthers went 5-2 during their Iowa trip advancing to 20-20 on the season.  PNC will be back in action on Monday 4-12-10 when they face Judson University. First pitch 4:00 pm.

On day one of the Iowa Wesleyan Tournament, PNC faced Mount Mercy College, Harris Stowe College and Hannibal-LaGrange College.  The Panthers were 2-1 on the day defeating Mount Mercy 4-3 and Hannibal LaGrange 4-0.  PNC lost to Harris Stowe College 6-5.

In a close game that was settled in extra innings, PNC comes back to take the win from Mount Mercy 4-3.  Mount Mercy scored two runs in the first inning and held that lead until the bottom of the seventh inning.  Bittani Cain hit in Lindsay Gernenz and Sam Michalski scored on a Mount Mercy fielding error to tie the game at 2-2.  Mount Mercy retook the lead in the top of the eighth inning scoring an unearned run.  But PNC had the final say when Nicole Nickoson scored the tying run off a Karissa Inglis single and then Megan Olson scored the winning run on a Mount Mercy error to give the win to PNC 4-3.
           
Offensively, the Panthers were led by Megan Olson and Sam Michalski, both having two hits and one run.  Inglis also had one hit and one rbi respectively.
           
Defensively, Amanda Jones pitched a complete game going eight innings allowing three runs, one earned on six hits one walk, striking out two.

Offense in the first half, defense in the second half as PNC loses to Harris-Stowe 6-5.  PNC struck hard, with Karissa Inglis scoring Nicole Nickoson.  Lindsay Gernenz then hit a two run homer to put the Panthers up 3-0 in the top of the first.  Harris-Stowe answered back cutting the deficit to one scoring two runs in the bottom of the first.  Stowe then took the lead in the bottom of the second scoring two more runs.  But PNC answered back in the top of the third, scoring two runs of their own and retaking the lead 5-4.  Harris-Stowe had an answer of their own putting two runs on the board in the bottom of the third taking the lead 6-5. 

Strong defensive stands by both teams kept either team from scoring the rest of the way.  The game ended with Harris-Stowe taking the win 6-5.

Offensively for PNC Lindsay Gernenz lead the way with two hits and two rbi’s.  Lindsay Brandner and Karissa Inglis also had a hit and rbi as well.

Brittany Bridges takes the loss for the Panthers pitching two innings, giving up four runs on five hits walking two and striking out two.  Amanda Jones pitched four innings for the Panthers giving up two runs on four hits and walking one.

After a tough loss to Harris-Stowe College, PNC pulled back together and defeated Hannibal-LaGrange College 4-0.
           
A tough defensive battle by both teams saw no score until the bottom of the fifth.  That’s when PNC turned up the heat.  Brittani Cain scored on a Nicole Nickoson single, Erin Burleson scored on a sacrifice fly from Megan Olson and Sandi Downs scored on an error giving the Panthers a 3-0 lead.  The Panthers added one more run in the bottom of the sixth and the strong defense kept Hannibal-LaGrange off the board as PNC wins 4-0
           
Karissa Inglis pitched four and one third innings allowing no runs on three hits walking one and striking out four.  Amanda Jones closed out the game going two and two thirds innings allowing no runs on two hits walking one and striking out four.
           
Offensively, Nicole Nickoson led the way with one hit and one RBI.
           
PNC moves to 19-19 on the season.  PNC will be back in action in Iowa on Saturday when they once again face Hannibal-LaGrange and tournament host Iowa Wesleyan.

PNC took the double header from Iowa Wesleyan College taking the wins 6-1 and 7-1. 

PNC took the lead first when Megan Olson scored off a single by Karissa Inlgis.  Both teams held strong through the next four innings, both allowing no runs.  The Panthers then added to their lead in the top of the sixth when Inglis hit a homer over the left center field fence scoring herself and Olson.  Brittany Bridges was hit in by Brittani Cain to put the Panthers up 4-0.  PNC added two more in the top of the seventh to go up 6-0.  Iowa was able to score one run in the bottom of the seventh but ran out of time as the Panthers win 6-1.           

Brittany Bridges pitched a complete game for the Panthers allowing only one run on five hits, walking one and striking out 10.
           
Game two saw more strong defense and powerful offense from the Panthers.  Megan Olson scored in the first off a single by Brittany Bridges.  Sandi Downs batted in Sam Michalski in the second to go up 2-0.  A sacrifice fly by Bridges in the third and a pass ball gave two more runs to PNC in the third.  Downs scored on an Inglis single in the fourth and two more runs were scored in the fifth by Lindsay Gernenz and Michalski.  Iowa’s lone run scored came in the bottom of the seventh.  The game ended with PNC winning 7-1
           
A strong defensive effort by Karissa Inglis and Jaci Williams held Iowa to four hits and one run striking out five. 

The Panthers snap their six game losing streak and take two from Cal College 9-2 and 10-7.  The wins advance PNC’s record to 15-18 on the season and 5-7 in the Chicagoland Colegfiate Athletic Conference.
           
In game one Calumet struck first scoring two runs in the bottom of the second.  The Panthers answered in top of the third scoring four runs and taking the lead 4-2.  PNC added to their lead in the fourth scoring three more runs and extending the lead 7-2.  The Panthers scored one in the sixth and one in the seventh and kept Calumet from scoring taking the win with a final score of 9-2.
           
Brittany Bridges pitched a complete game for the Panthers allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out seven.

Game two saw a repeat of game one.  Calumet took the lead in the bottom of the third scoring three.  PNC answered back in the top of the third with four runs, taking the lead by one.  The Panthers took control of the game after that scoring three in the top of the fourth, one in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the seventh.  Calumet did show some offense in the bottom of the seventh scoring three runs but came up short as PNC took the win 10-6.
           
Karissa Inglis pitched a complete game allowing six runs on eleven hits.

The Panthers travel to Iowa to participate in the Iowa Wesleyan Softball Tournament April 8th through April 10th. 

On a very windy day in Palos Heights the Trolls of Trinity Christian are able to take two from PNC (3-2 & 4-2) in conference play.  The losses move the Panthers 13-18 on the season and 3-7 in the conference.

Game one saw the Panthers jump out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Lindsay Gernenz hit in Sam Michalski with a single up the middle.  Strong defensive efforts by both teams kept both from scoring until the sixth inning when Amanda Jones scored on Brittani Cain’s at bat.
           
The Trolls came back in the bottom of the sixth scoring two and tying up the game.  Christian then kept the Panthers from scoring in the top of the seventh and took the win in the bottom scoring a run making the final score 3-2.
           
Brittany Bridges takes the loss for the Panthers pitching seven and two thirds innings allowing two runs on two hits walking one and striking out ten.  Amanda Jones closed out the game allowing one run on one hit and one strike out.

Game two was another tight game with the Trolls coming out on top 4-2.  PNC scored first in the top of the second inning but the Trolls answered right back with a solo homer in the bottom of the second.  Trinity added to their lead, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third.  The Panthers scored one more run in the top of the fifth but it would not be enough to overtake the Trolls, losing 4-2.
           
Karissa Inglis pitched five innings for the Panthers allowing four runs on six hits walking one and striking out one.  Erin Burleson finished out the game with one hit and one walk.

The Panthers will be back in action on Monday April fifth when they travel to Whiting, Indiana to face Calumet College in conference play.  First pitch 3:00 pm.

PNC softballers lost their double header against St. Joseph College 10-2 and 11-3 Wednesday March 31.  The losses move the Panthers to 13-16 on the year. 

PNC could not get the bats going in game one of the day’s double header mustering only two hits.  St. Joe struck early in the first with four runs.  The top of the second saw the only offense for the Panthers with Karissa Inglis starting the inning with a double to left center.  Amber Welsh was able to sacrifice herself to score Inglis.  Amanda Jones got on base being hit by a pitch and was scored by a single from Sandy Downs.
           
St. Joe then took over in the bottom of the third scoring two in the third, three in the fourth and one in the bottom of the fifth to end the by the eight run rule.
           
Defensively, PNC was lead by Amber Welsh pitching three innings giving up six runs on eight hits striking out two.  Jaci Williams finished the game going one and two thirds innings giving up four runs on five hits.
           
Game two started just like the first with St. Joe jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first.  PNC cut the lead to one in the third scoring three runs.  St. Joe answered right back scoring two in the bottom of the lead to make the score 6-3.  St. Joe put it on cruise control from there scoring two in the fourth, one in the fifth and two in the sixth to end the game once again by eight run rule with a final score of 11-3.

The Panthers will be back in action on Friday April second when they travel to Palos Heights to face conference foe Trinity Christian College.

On a very windy day in Joliet, Illinois the Panther softball team dropped a double 4-1 and 6-1 to conference foe Saint Francis University.  PNC move to 13-14 on the season and 3-5 in the conference.
           
The Panthers were held to four hits in game one.  PNC’s only run coming off of a muscled left field homer by Sam Michalski, her first on the year.  The Saints put a run on the board in the first and the fifth.  Their final two runs came in the fifth making the final score 4-1.

Karissa Inglis pitched a complete game for the Panthers allowing four runs on six hits, walking two and striking out one.  Michalski led the offensive with two hits and one RBI.

Game two saw improved batting for the Panthers but were still unable to bring runners in the 6-1 loss.  Lindsay Gernenz turned in a strong performance with three hits and one RBI.  Nickole Nickoson added two hits as well. 

Brittany Bridges took the mound for PNC pitching five complete innings giving up six runs on six hits and walking four batters.  Amanda Jones closed out the final inning of the game walking one and striking out one.

The Panthers move to 13-14 on the season and 3-5 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Atheltic Conference.

PNC will be back in action on Wednesday March 13st with they face Saint Joseph College in nonconference action.  First pitch 3:00 pm Eastern.

Softball Steals Two From Trinity International
March 27, 2010
By: Doug Cassell

Strong defense kept the Trojans off the board as the Panthers swept Trinity International 2-0 and 5-0.  The wins move PNC to 13-12 on the year and 3-3 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. 

The Panthers struck first in the bottom of the first scoring one run.  A powerful defensive outing for pitcher Karissa Inglis helped limit the Trojans to only four hits for the entire game.  PNC added only one more run in the bottom of the third but it was enough to take the win 2-0.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by Brittany Cain with one hit and one RBI.  Inglis also had a hit and one RBI.  Defensively, Inglis pitched a complete game allowing only four hits and striking out seven.

Game two saw more of the same from PNC.  The Panther defense held the Trojans to two hits.  Brittany Bridges pitched a complete game allowing only two hits walking one and striking out eleven.

Offensively, Inglis continued her hitting ways with two hits and three runs batted in.  Megan Olson added two hits and one RBI and Santana Bozman rounded out the day with one hit and one RBI.

PNC will face Saint Francis University in CCAC conference play on Sunday 3-28-10.  First pitch 1:00 pm.

Purdue North Central’s softball team split with Robert Morris University in conference play winning game one 7-0 and losing game two 7-5.  The Panthers move to 11-12 on the season and 1-2 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Errors cost Robert Morris four runs in the loss to PNC in game one of the double header.  A tight battle between the two had the score 0-0 going into the fourth inning.  Then two critical errors cost the Eagles three runs putting PNC up 3-0.  The Panthers had the momentum going into the fifth adding three more runs and another unearned to put them up 7-0.  A strong defensive effort by PNC secured the win.

The Panthers were led offensively by Brittani Cain and Sandi Downs both having one hit and one rbi.  Karissa Inglis put in a strong defensive effort, going the distance pitching a complete game allowing only three hits, walking one and striking out one. 

PNC jumped out to an early lead in game two scoring two runs in the first.  RMU cut the lead in half in the third with a run making the score 2-1.  The Panthers answered right back with a run of their own in the bottom of the third to go back up two.  Both teams scored a run in the fourth making the score 4-2 in favor of PNC.  The Eagles then took control of the game in the fifth tying the game 4-4 and shutting down the Panther offense.  The Eagles then took the lead in the sixth scoring two runs.  RMU then added to their lead in the seventh with a run brining the score to 7-4.  PNC added one run in the bottom of the seventh but was unable to come back as the Eagles take game two 7-5.

Offensively, PNC was led by Inglis one hit and two rbi’s and Lindsay Gernenz with one one and one rbi. 
Brittany Bridges was the starting pitcher for the Panthers going four innings giving up three hits on two runs, walking four and striking out one.  Amber Welsh provided middle relief allowing two runs on two hits and one walk in one inning of work.  Amanda Jones closed out the game, pitching the final two innings giving up three hits and three runs walking two and striking out two.

 The Panthers will be back in action on 3-27 when they face Trinity International University in CCAC conference play.  First Pitch 12:00 pm.

Panther softball lost their conference double header against CCAC rival Saint Xavier University.  The Saints held PNC to two hits in game one of the double header defeating the Panthers 15-0 in five innings.  Saint Xavier held strong in the second game allowing PNC to score only two runs defeating the Panthers 7-2. 
           
PNC moves to 10-11 on the year and 0-2 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.  The Panthers will be back in action on Thursday 3-15-10 when they open their home season facing CCAC foe Robert Morris College.

The Panthers never got the bats going in game one against Saint Xavier losing 15-0 in five innings.  A tough outing, the Panthers had only two hits, both coming in the second inning.  Defensively, Karissa Inglis struggled on the mound giving up 13 hits and striking out two in three innings of work.  Jaci Williams gave up three hits, walking one and striking out one. 
           
Saint X. had a strong offensive showing with 15 runs on 16 hits.  The Saints scored three in the second and then took control of the game in the third scoring nine runs.  Saint Xavier locked up the win in the fourth scoring three more runs. 

Game two of the double header saw offensive life from PNC but were unable to string together the hits to bring in the runs needed as Saint Xavier takes the win 7-2.  The Saints got on the board first with a run in the third.  Saint X added to their lead in the fourth with two runs extending the lead to 3-0.  The Saints then added four runs in the six and held PNC to two runs in the top of the seventh to take the win 7-2.
           
Brittany Bridges pitched a complete game for PNC allowing seven runs on eight hits, walking five and striking out four.

The Panthers will play again on Thursday at home (Patriot Park) against Robert Morris University in a doubleheader at 4 p.m.

PNC softballers sweep the double header when they traveled to St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday 3-21-10.  The Panthers won game one 7-1 and game two 8-0 in five innings.  PNC moves to 10-9 on the year.  The Panthers will be back in action on Tuesday 3-23-10 when they begin conference play against.
           
PNC started slow in game one of the double header mustering only a double by Karissa Inglis in the second.  The offense came to life in the third scoring two in the second, four in the fourth and one in the fifth.  Saint Francis mustered one run in the fifth but were unable to close the gap as PNC wins the game 7-1.
           
Offensively, the Panthers were led by Nickole Nickoson with two hits and two rbi’s and Lindsay Gernenz with one hit and two rbi’s.  Defensively, Brittany Bridges pitched six complete innings giving up one run on three hits walking two and striking out four.  Jaci Williams closed out the game for PNC pitching the last inning giving up one hit and one walk.

The Panthers continued their winning ways in game two scoring six runs in the first inning against Saint Francis.  Inglis hit a solo homer in the third to put PNC up 7-0.  A strong defensive stand by the Panthers allowed only four hits by Saint Francis.  PNC scored one more run in the fifth to end the game by the eight run rule with the Panthers winning 8-0.

Offensively, PNC was led by Karissa Inglis with two hits and one rbi, Megan Olson with one hit and two rbi’s.  Sam Michalski and Amanda Jones also had one hit and one rbi respectively. 

Defensively, Inglis started the game pitching two complete innings giving up two hits.  Amanda Jones pitched the last three innings giving up two hits, walking one and striking out two.

The Panthers will play again on Tuesday when they travel to Chicago, IL to play St. Xavier University in a CCAC doubleheader at 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central Softball team traveled to Tucson, Arizona this Spring to start off their year and annual Spring Trip and finished 8-9 overall.

The Panthers had a strong showing in day one of their spring break trip. PNC led each game and fought hard, never giving up when behind on the scoreboard. Game one saw a heartbreaker when Siena Heights was able to hit in two runs on a double in the bottom of the seventh inning to take the win away 2-1. Game two put Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Trinity International against PNC. Another hard fought game with the Panthers coming out on top in extra innings 8-7. Game three saw another tough battle between the Saints of Siena Heights and the Panthers. This time it was PNC with the last inning rally to take the win 10-8. The Panthers return to action on Saturday 3-6-10 when they will see another triple game day.

The PNC softball team opened their season and the first game of the year against the Siena Heights Saints of Michigan. Strong defense prevented either team from stringing together many hits. Sophomore pitcher Brittany Bridges took the mound and threw six solid innings facings twenty-two batters and striking out three. Offensively, the Panthers were led by freshman Lindsay Brandner with a solo Homer in the second, the only run for PNC.

The Panthers were able to hang tough until the bottom of the seventh when Saints batter hit a double off of closing pitcher, sophomore Jaci Williams that drove in two runs giving Siena the win.

Game two of the Tucson Invitational pitted conference rival Trinity International University against the Panthers. Freshman pitcher Amanda Jones took the mound for PNC throwing five stellar innings striking out six. Pitching duties were then handed over to Sophomore Karissa Inglis, pitching six innings striking out four. The Panther bats were led by freshman Lindsay Brandner with three hits and Sophomore Brittani Cain with two. 

A true spectators’ game as both teams combined for 25 hits in the game. Scoreless through three innings, Trinity got on the board first scoring two runs in the top of the fourth. The Panthers answered right back in the bottom with a pinch hit double from Megan Olson scoring Amanda Jones and Brittani Cain. Erin Burleson added one more run in the inning scoring Olson to take the lead 3-2.

Trinity answered right back in the top of the fifth scoring two more runs taking the lead back 4-3. But the Panthers never say quit attitude saw the team buckle down stop Trinity from scoring in the top of the seventh and tying the game in the bottom when Lindsay Brandner’s single to right field scored sophomore Sam Michalski.

They remained the same through eight and nine. Both team mustered a run a piece in the tenth. The eleventh saw the Panthers go behind two to Trinity. The young team never panicked going right to work in the bottom of the eleventh. Freshman Nicole Nickoson drove in freshman Erin Burleson cutting the lead to one. Lindsay Brandner continued her great day by hitting in Downs to tie the game. But it was freshman Santana Bozman with a little infield blooper that scored Brandner, giving PNC their first win of the season.

The Panthers faced Michigan’s Siena Heights again in the nightcap and in their third game of the day. Again the bats were hot for PNC as they were able to get 13 hits scoring ten runs. Sophomores led the way as Lindsay Gernenz, Sam Michalski, and Megan Olson combined for eight hits and four runs. The Panthers’ defense was led by Jaci Williams with four innings pitched and one strike out. Freshman Erin Burleson and Amber Welsh finished up the night keeping Siena guessing in the final three innings.

Strong offense put the Panthers up 6-2 in the bottom of the fourth. But a big rally from the Saints in the fifth and sixth put them ahead 8-6. The Panthers never say die attitude saw the team once again come together to rally in the bottom of the seventh scoring four and taking the win away from the Saints.

The PNC softball team finished day one 2-1 as they looked to face Madonna, Hope International University and Aquinas College of Michigan in day two of action.

The Panthers moved to 3-3 after this day two of action in the Tucson Invitational Tournament. PNC first faced nationally ranked Madonna University. The Panthers fought hard but fell 14-6 to #13 Madonna. In game two PNC faced Hope International University. Another tough outing for the Panthers as Hope defeated PNC 9-2. The Panthers were able to right the ship in game three taking the game away from Aquinas College 9-1. PNC softballers will be back in action on Sunday for another triple game day.

The Madonna offense made it look easy against the Lady Panther defense on day two of the Tucson Invitational. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead 2-0 in the first before Madonna turned up the heat. Madonna mustered 16 hits off PNC pitching bringing in 14 runs. The Panthers were able to steal six runs from Madonna but were unable to prevent shortened game due to the 8 run rule. The Panthers move to 2-2 on the day.

In game two the Panthers pitted PNC against California’s Hope International University. Hope got on the board first scoring a run in the first. The Panthers took the lead scoring two runs in the second. Hope took control of the game in the fifth scoring five runs, taking the lead 6-2. Hope added three more runs winning the game by seven with a final score of 9-2.

Game three pitted PNC against Aquinas College of Michigan. The Lady Panther offense came to life in the night cap scoring nine runs on 18 hits. Offensively, PNC was led by Freshman Nicole Nickoson and Sophomore Megan Olson, both having three hits and scoring two runs, Bozman, Gernenz, Cain, and Bridges all added two hits and one run while Inglis and Downs added a hit and a run a piece. Defensively, Brittany Bridges pitched five innings with five strike outs allowing on one run.

The game was shortened due to the 8 run rule with the Panthers defeating Aquinas, 9-1.

The Panthers watched their record slide to 3-3 after picking up just one victory during day two.

PNC was back in action on Sunday when they faced Iowa Wesleyan, Peru State and Bellevue University for day three.

However, what started out as a triple game day ended up being a two game day as rain moved in canceling PNC’s nightcap against Bellevue University.

In game one the Panthers took on the Tigers of Iowa Wesleyan. The Lady Tigers struck first scoring one run in the first. PNC answered with a home run by Karissa Inglis, her second of the season. The Panthers widen their lead in the fifth adding four runs, stretching the lead 7-1. But the Lady Tigers came back in the bottom of the fourth with four runs of their own, cutting the lead to two. Iowa cut the lead to one with a run in the sixth but a strong defense prevented the Lady Tigers from scoring another run giving the win to PNC 7-6.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by Karissa Inglis with two hits and three rbi’s. Megan Olson also had one hit and two rbi’s. Defensively Brittany Bridges led the way pitching four innings striking out six. Amanda Jones and Amber Welsh finished the rest of the game with a strong showing.

Game two pitted PNC against Peru State College of Nebraska. After each team scoring a run in the first, the Lady Bobcats took the lead in the top of the second scoring three runs. The Panthers cut into the lead in the bottom of the second with an unearned bringing the score to 4-2. The Lady Bobcats added to their lead in the top of the third with three more runs extending their lead 7-2. Peru’s defense held strong allowing only one more one in the next three innings as the Bobcat defense added four more runs in the fourth. 

The game ended in the fifth due to the eight run rule with the Peru Bobcats winning 11-3 and the Panthers moved to 4-4 on the season. PNC then had an off day on Monday and resumed play Tuesday 3-9-10 when they played Northwestern College of Iowa, Cornerstone University of Michigan and Black Hills State University of North Dakota.

The Lady Panther softball team returned to the diamond for day four of the Tucson Invitational. Game one saw PNC make up the previous day’s rain out game against Bellevue University. After a hard fought game Bellevue squeaked out a win 2-1. Game two pitted PNC against Northwestern College with Northwestern coming out on top 4-3. 

The Panthers fought hard in game one of day four only to come up a little short losing to Bellevue University 2-1. The Bruins took the lead in the second on a homer by Gawart to center field. PNC answered back when Santana Bozman hit a single up the right field line to score Sam Michalski, tying the game 1-1. The Lady Bruins took the lead back in the fifth on a double by Gansz driving in Guyle. A strong defensive effort by Bellevue kept PNC from scoring again and ended the game with the Lady Bruins winning 2-1

PNC was stopped short again in game two. The Panthers had the tying run on third in the bottom of the seventh but were unable to tie the game handing Northwestern the win 4-3. Northwestern got on the board in the top of the second with three runs. PNC answered in the bottom of the third with three runs and tied the game. Northwestern brought in a run to retake the lead and held off a tough offensive by PNC to win 4-3. Sandi Downs and Megan Olson led the way for the Panthers, each had three hits. Defensively, Brittany Bridges, Amanda Jones and Jaci Williams combined for six strikeouts on the day.

The PNC softball team dropped to 4-6 after day four and looked to rebound in day five as they played Jamestwon, Mount Marty and Viterbo.

PNC had a slow start but took the last two games of the day to come out on top and move to 6-7 on the season. Game one pitted the Panthers against the Jamestown Jimmies. PNC only mustered two hits in the loss to the Jimmies 8-0 in five innings. The Panthers took some time to themselves and turned on the offense in the next two games defeating Mount Marty 11-2 in five and Viterbo 9-3. PNC returns to play Thursday 3-11-10 to play three more games.

Jamestown Jimmies had twelve hits and seven rbi’s in their 8-0 defeat of PNC. The Panthers offense consisted of two hits from freshman Lindsay Brandner. The Jimmies took the lead early hitting in three runs, one of which was a long homer from Heinemann. Jamestown sealed the deal in the fifth scoring five runs to win the game by the eight run rule.

PNC then had a break in the action watching some of the other games of the day. They then began talking, playing games and becoming more of a team. With a renewed confidence in themselves and each other they took the field to face Mount Marty.

A much more relaxed team took the field to face Mount Marty in game two of the day. Pitcher Erin Burleson gave her best performance of the tourney pitching six complete innings giving up only three hits, two walks and striking out four. Offensively, the Panthers were on fire as the team combined for eight hits brining in eleven runs. The team was lead by Sandi Downs with three hits and two rbi’s followed by Jordan Jones with two hits and two rbi’s. Megan Olson came up with a monster triple in the sixth bringing in three runs, putting PNC up 11-2. The Lady Lancers were unable to close the gap in the bottom of the sixth ending the game by the eight run rule.

Game three saw the Panthers continue their strong hitting ways. PNC scored nine runs off of 15 hits, three of which were homeruns. Viterbo struck first scoring one run in the first. PNC answered back in the second with a run by Amanda Jones. The Panthers stretched the lead by three in the fourth with a solo homerun by Amanda Jones and a two run homer by Brittany Bridges. PNC added two more runs in the fifth stretching the lead with a score of 6-1. Viterbo answered back in the bottom of the fifth with a homerun by Reinert, and a run driven in by Weaver to push the score to 6-3. Lindsay Gernenz drove in Nicole Nickoson in the sixth to push PNC up by four. The Panthers scored two more runs in the top of the seventh off a two run pinch hit homer by Santana Bozman to make the score 9-3.

Defensively, PNC was lead by Brittany Bridges pitching a complete game giving up six hits on three runs with two walks and striking out four.

On the final day of Tucson Invitational the Panthers went .500.  PNC won the first and last game finishing the day with two wins and two losses moving their overall total to eight wins and nine losses. 

The Panthers began the day strong defeating Monmouth 10-2 in six innings.  Game two saw a hitting barrage between PNC and Great Falls with the Panthers coming up short 14-10.  Game three pitted the Panthers against Minot state.  Although PNC turned in a good performance, Minot was too tough to overcome, losing 6-1.  The Panthers turned the heat back up in the final game defeating Mount Marty College 9-1 in five innings.
           
In game one hot bat’s started the day off right for PNC, as they defeated Monmouth College 10-2 in six innings.  PNC struck first scoring four runs in the first inning.  Monmouth answered back with their only two runs of the game in the second.  The Panthers put on cruise control from there scoring three in the second, two in the third and the game winner in the sixth. 

Offensively, PNC was led by freshman Amanda Jones with three hits, scoring three runs.  Sophomore Megan Olson continued her hitting ways adding two runs and two RBI’s as well.

Defensively, The Panthers were led by Sophomore Karissa Inglis allowing only two runs on four hits striking out eight in five innings.  Freshman Amber Welsh closed out the game striking out two of three batters faced.

In game two of the final day, the Panthers came up short in an offensive showcase by both teams losing to Great Falls University 14-10.  Both teams showed strong offense combining for 27 hits on the day.  Great Falls took the lead in the first scoring two runs and three runs in the third.  PNC answered back in the bottom of the third with four runs, one being a homer by Karissa Inglis. 

The Panthers then took the lead in the fourth scoring three runs.  Great Falls answered back in the top of the fifth scoring eight runs.  PNC chipped away at the lead scoring two runs in the fifth and one in the seventh but fell short in the seventh with Great Falls coming away with the win 14-10.
           
The Panthers were led offensively by Karissa Inglis with two hits and two RBI’s followed by Sam Michalski with one hit and two RBI’s.

Minot State University controlled the tempo defeating PNC 6-1 to cap off the third game of the day.
           
PNC could only muster five hits scoring one run losing to Minot State University 6-1.  Minot took the lead in the first, scoring one run.  They added to the lead in the second third and sixth scoring one in the second, two in the third one in the fifth putting them up 5-0.  PNC scored their only run on a single by Sam Michalski, scoring Nicole Nickoson. 

Minot topped off their win with a run in the bottom of the sixth and holding a charging PNC team to win 6-1.
Offensively, Sam Michalski led the way with two hits.  Nicole Nickoson, Lindsay Gerenenz, and Santana Bozman also had hits for the Panthers. 

Defensively, Brittany Bridges pitched four and two thirds innings giving up seven hits and five runs, striking out three.  Erin Burleson closed out the game pitching one and one thirds innings giving up one run.

PNC then went on to right the ship and finish out the day and their trip with a win against Mount Marty College.

The Panthers defeated Mount Marty 9-1 in five innings.

PNC jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first when Lindsay Gernenz’s single to center drove in Sam Michalski and Karissa Inglis.  The Panthers added to that lead in the second when Sandi Downs and Amanda Jones scored on Michalski’s at bat. 

Mount Marty cut the lead by one in the third. PNC answered back in the fifth scoring five in the fifth; giving the Panthers the eight runs needed to win the game in the fifth by the eight run rule.

Offensivley, PNC was led by Lindsay Brandner with three hits and one RBI, Lindsay Gernenz with two hits and two RBI’s, and Sandi Downs with two hits and one RBI. 

Defensively, Karissa Inglis pitched a complete game of five innings, giving up one run on three hits no walks and striking out one.

PNC softballers ended the Tucson Invitational with a record of eight wins and nine losses. 

The softball team continues their play Sunday March 21 at 12 PM with a double header against St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, IN.

The Purdue North Central softball team is heading to Tucson Arizona on their spring trip and will play a total of 18 games. The first 9 games from March 5th - March 7th can be listened to live via internet broadcast at http://www.broadcastsport.net. All games are set to start on Mountain Standard Time. GO PANTHERS!

Purdue University North Central's athletic department continues to grow. Along with their growth come concerns about safety. Today, PNC took another step forward in ensuring a safe environment for their athletes. The Coaches, with the aide of the athletic trainer, purchased an AED.

The AED or Automated External Defibrillator is used when a person suffers a cardiac event like a heart attack. The defibrillator sends a jolt of electricity through the victim's body to “re-start” their heart.

“This is something we have needed for a long time”, stated athletic trainer Doug Cassell. “It really makes me feel good to see the coaches come together and dip into their own accounts for a great cause. Just having the AED makes our student athletes and our fans safer.”

Since PNC only has a baseball field on campus at this time, the AED will stay with the athletic trainer as he rotates to the various sigts and will be available at most practices and games.

The softball team uses Patriot Park through Michigan City's Parks and Recreation Department. The volleyball team's facility is The Courts of Northwest Indiana in Valparaiso. The basketball team's main practice site is The Courts but play their games and have limited practices at the Civic Auditorium through La Porte's Park and Recreation Department.

"Doug has been pushing for this for a while but we have limited resources," said Director of Athletic John Weber. "However, all of our head coaches once again stepped up to fill a void. Our softball coach Jeff Boardman was the main contributor and basketball coach Kris Schnatz, volleyball coach John Higgins and myself (baseball) all joined in to make this a reality."

"I especially want to thank Doug for doing the research and leading the way," said Weber. We are always trying to limit our risks. In fact, last year all of our coaches became CPR and AED certified through Doug among other steps we have taken."