'Cats Split Opening Day Doubleheader

Friday, February 7

Tempe, AZ

11 a.m. CT

Northwestern

0-1

Utah

1-0

Utah

Northwestern

2/7/2020 6:51:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Gm 1 Box Score (PDF)Gm 2 Box Score (PDF)

Tempe, Ariz. – #14 Northwestern split its first doubleheader of the year, notching a 1-0 win in the second leg over Seattle behind a dominant two-hit shutout from Kenna Wilkey.

Wilkey was dominant in the circle, recording her first shutout since March 2, 2019. The junior right-hander did not allow a single hit from the second inning up through until the seventh inning, including a stretch in which she retired 11 consecutive batters. She finished with six strikeouts in her seven shutout innings.

The 'Cats got on the board first against the Redhawks with the eventual game-winning RBI double to right-center from Jordyn Rudd in the top of the fourth. It was Rudd's second RBI of the day after notching an RBI-single in game one.

In the first leg, the 'Cats led after five innings, until Utah strung together a few hits and took the lead. The 'Cats struck early on a run in the bottom of the first, with Rachel Lewis scoring on a passed ball after reaching on a double.

Danielle Williams was dominant to start the game, retiring 13 of the first 14 batters she faced. The Pleasanton, Calif. native also had a strong day at the plate in both games, recording three hits on the day.

With their 1-0 win over Seattle, the 'Cats have shut out one of their opponents on their first day of the season in back-to-back years for the first time in 10 years. Northwestern has won a game on their opening day in seven-consecutive seasons.

Northwestern will be back in action at the Kajikawa Classic tomorrow with two more games against #12 Tennessee at 2:45 p.m CT and #22 Arizona State at 8 p.m CT. Fans can watch on Flosoftball.com or follow along to @NUSBCats on Twitter for updates.

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