LISLE, Ill. – Riding off the high of a 7-3 start to the season, North Park University Softball played in their first game in the Midwest on Tuesday afternoon in a doubleheader at Benedictine. The Vikings fell in both games by scores of 9-1 and 8-2.

A four-spot surrendered in the first inning, followed by two more runs for the Eagles in the second, proved too difficult of a comeback for the Vikings. The lone hits off Benedictine's Mckenzie Johnson both arrived in the fourth – a single by junior shortstop Kayla Lorenz and RBI single for junior right fielder Sydney Snyder.

In game two, North Park's Katelyn Meyer and Benedictine's Jenna Bartke each allowed just one run in their time in the circle. Lorenz cracked an RBI triple in the third, scoring sophomore designated player Bella Frohwirth. BenU's run was also an extra-base hit in the third – a double for Taylor Oppenhuis.

The Vikings pulled ahead, 2-1, in the second when sophomore second baseman Emily Giardine singled Snyder home. Unfortunately, the Eagles broke things open in their next chance at bat. BenU scored seven runs on five hits, including four that went for extra bases, to beat the Vikings, 8-2.

What's Next?

North Park (7-5) hosts its home opener this coming Saturday, March 22, against Loras College. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1:00 PM CT.