Sophomore Kirsten Lightel records first career no-hitter to lead Softball on annual spring break trip

By Ashley Birchmeier

CLERMONT, Fla. — Sophomore Kirsten Lightel recorded her first career no-hitter surrendering just one base runner in the Polar Bears 4-0 victory against Immaculata (Pa.) Monday afternoon at the Hancock Park located in Clermont, Fla.

The Polar Bears improve to 6-2 overall on the season.

Northern also used a come from behind victory to defeat Cabrini (Pa.) 6-3.

In the the contest with Immaculata, Lightel led the way surrendering only one base runner and recording a season high 11 strikeouts.

The Northern offense went to work early as freshman Kylie Asmus would clear the bases in the top of the first inning, hitting a two run homer to give ONU the 3-0 lead.

Lightel made effiecent work in the circle, going three-up and three-down in the first three innings of play, recording 6 of her 12 total strikeouts.

The Polar Bears would add an insurance run in the top of the fifth as sophomore Jenna Hollar would reach home following a throwing error from the Immaculata defense.

Lightel would go on to strikeout four more batters, keeping her perfect game in tack before a two out walk in the bottom of the seventh would give Immaculata its only base runner of the contest.

Northern would finish the contest with eight hits and three RBIs.

In game two, Cabrini took the lead early scoring two runs in the top of the fourth to take the 2-0 advantage.

The Northern offense would respond in the fifth inning recording five hits to take the 5-2 lead.

Hollar started the inning off as she reached first following a fielding error by the defense. She then stole second before later scoring on hit from senior Amanda Lahti.

Asmus would also record an RBI in the inning as she plated junior Megan Hupp.

Freshman Hailee Loughman would keep the offense alive for Northern as she would single to right scoring another ONU run and putting the Polar Bears on top 3-2.

Lightel would close out the fifth inning for ONU, as the pitcher would draw a walk scoring another run for the Polar Bears.

Northern would finish the contest with eight hits and five RBIs en route to the 6-3 victory.

The Polar Bears return to action Wednesday as they take on Hanover (Ind.) at 11 am and Catholic (D.C.) and 1 pm.