KENOSHA, Wis. -- North Park Softball was swept by the Carthage Firebirds (24-10) in a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon.
In game one, the Firebirds held a 4-0 lead after driving five hits, all singles, in the first two innings. North Park cut the deficit to 4-2 in the third inning when freshman left fielder Kaylie Pereira singled up the middle and junior shortstop Kayla Lorenz singled in Pereira on a shot down the line. However, an eight-run fourth for Carthage ended the game quickly, 12-2.
In game two the Vikings found themselves trailing early once more. The Firebirds held a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the fourth, as Carthage's game two starter Maddie Conway allowed just wo hits through her first four innings of work. However, the Vikings made it close with a four-run fifth. A bases loaded walk for junior third baseman Kathryn Keehn followed by an RBI single from junior right fielder Sydney Snyder marked the first two runs. Next, a two-run fielder's choice alongside an infield error plate the Vikings' next two runs. Unfortunately, the Firebirds tacked on two runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to handily secure the 11-4 win.
Lorenz led the Vikings at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a double.
What's Next?
North Park (15-19, 3-9 CCIW) is on the road this weekend, traveling to Augustana College  (22-6, 10-2) for a battle with the Vikings in Rock Island. First pitch on Saturday, April 26 is set for 1:00 PM CT.
