The UNI softball team took on Bradley University on April 19 and 20 for a three-game series.

The Panthers initially fell to the Braves 9-1 in six innings, but bounced back for two straight wins by final scores of 11-2 in five innings and 4-1 in the full seven.

In the first outing with the Braves, scoring didn’t come easily as the bats were cold from start to finish. UNI was only able to string together seven hits in the contest, with no Panther able to garner multiple base knocks.

The lone run came in off a Sammey Bunch single in the first inning to bring in Brittney Krodinger. Emma Olejniczak started the first game for the purple and gold, having her season record fall to 6-9.

A key performer in the second matchup of the weekend was Jaclynn Spencer, as she was consistent with striking opponents out throughout the game. Spencer was able to strike out a total 10 batters within five innings and only allowed four base hits.

As for hitting, first basemen Krodinger was able smack three hits. Catcher Ashley Chesser smacked seven hits, crossed the plate seven times and brought in seven runs while going yard a total of three times. Chesser hit two two-run homers while bringing in three on the third. Emma Valainis also hit a home run that would end the contest in five innings.

In the third and final contest, Spencer showed off her pitching talent once again as she only gave up one run throughout multiple innings. She came back to compete at a high level as she was able to strike out nine Braves hitters.

Spencer was also able to hit a double for the Panthers to help get Chesser and Bunch to home plate. Bunch was able to score two runs for the Panthers during this close match up to help the Panthers win 4-1. Junior Jenny Kohl was able to record a base hit with a run on top of it.

Northern Iowa softball will compete again on April 23 facing Drake University in Cedar Falls for the Pink Out game. Next, they will face the Southern Illinois University Salukis in Cedar Falls for three games in a row.