Northwestern University Athletics

'Cats 2021 Season Comes to a Close in Lexington
5/22/2021 7:05:00 PM | Softball
LEXINGTON, Ky. – After winning the first of two back-to-back elimination games on the day, Northwestern's 2021 season came to the close in the Lexington Regional on Saturday night with a 7-2 loss to #14 Kentucky at John Cropp Stadium.
In their first elimination game of the day, the Wildcats came out on top with a 7-1 victory over Miami Ohio. The RedHawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but the 'Cats responded with a pair of crucial two-out extra-base hits courtesy of Mac Dunlap and Nikki Cuchran.
Dunlap got the Wildcats on the board in the top of the second inning after a marathon 11 pitch at-bat ended with a bases-clearing three-RBI double to right-center. It marked Dunlap's sixth hit over the last seven games.
With a 3-1 advantage in the top of the fifth inning, Cuchran was the next Wildcat to come through with the bases loaded and two outs. The junior first baseman drove a grand slam over the center field fence for her first home run of the season to extend the Wildcats' lead to 7-1. Cuchran, along with Maeve Nelson each scored two runs in the win over the RedHawks.
After allowing a first-inning home run, Danielle Williams was masterful in the circle, striking out nine and allowing just five hits to pick up the victory.
With the win, Northwestern has now won a game in each of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
The 'Cats tallied five hits in their second game vs. Kentucky, led by Skyler Shellmyer recording her team-leading 15th multi-hit game of the season. NU got on the board first in the second inning via a sacrifice fly from Dunlap to score Emma Bartz, however Kentucky responded and continued to add to its lead throughout the game to seal a spot in the regional final.
Northwestern concludes the sason with a 30-17 record on the year.
In their first elimination game of the day, the Wildcats came out on top with a 7-1 victory over Miami Ohio. The RedHawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but the 'Cats responded with a pair of crucial two-out extra-base hits courtesy of Mac Dunlap and Nikki Cuchran.
Dunlap got the Wildcats on the board in the top of the second inning after a marathon 11 pitch at-bat ended with a bases-clearing three-RBI double to right-center. It marked Dunlap's sixth hit over the last seven games.
Two outs. 11 pitch at-bat.@macdunlap_ delivered when we needed it most ??#GoCats | #FightForVictory pic.twitter.com/JAbET1Sf2F
— Northwestern Softball (@NUSBcats) May 22, 2021
With a 3-1 advantage in the top of the fifth inning, Cuchran was the next Wildcat to come through with the bases loaded and two outs. The junior first baseman drove a grand slam over the center field fence for her first home run of the season to extend the Wildcats' lead to 7-1. Cuchran, along with Maeve Nelson each scored two runs in the win over the RedHawks.
Postseason vibes ??@NCuchran was feeling ?????????? after this one.#GoCats | #FightForVictory pic.twitter.com/ZHM4u6VxQt
— Northwestern Softball (@NUSBcats) May 22, 2021
After allowing a first-inning home run, Danielle Williams was masterful in the circle, striking out nine and allowing just five hits to pick up the victory.
With the win, Northwestern has now won a game in each of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
The 'Cats tallied five hits in their second game vs. Kentucky, led by Skyler Shellmyer recording her team-leading 15th multi-hit game of the season. NU got on the board first in the second inning via a sacrifice fly from Dunlap to score Emma Bartz, however Kentucky responded and continued to add to its lead throughout the game to seal a spot in the regional final.
Northwestern concludes the sason with a 30-17 record on the year.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Williams, Danielle (17-7)
L: Courtney Vierstra (26-5)

Batting:
2B: Dunlap, Mac 1
HR: Cuchran, Nikki 1
RBI: Cuchran, Nikki 4 ; Dunlap, Mac 3
Base Running:
RUNS: Shellmyer, Skyler 1 ; Lewis, Rachel 1 ; Nelson, Maeve 2 ; Cuchran, Nikki 2 ; Cady, Hannah 1
SB: Dunlap, Mac 1
CS: Lewis, Rachel 1
HBP: Cady, Hannah 1

Batting:
2B: Allie Cummins 1
HR: Allie Cummins 1
RBI: Allie Cummins 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Allie Cummins 1
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Softball - Lauren Boyd Tosses Complete Game Shutout, 'Cats Blank Kentucky in NCAA Regional (5/16/25)
Friday, May 16
Softball - 'Cats Storm Back, Secure Series Victory at No. 8 UCLA (5/4/25)
Sunday, May 04
Softball - 'Cats Earn 8-0 Run-Rule Win at No. 8 UCLA (5/2/25)
Saturday, May 03
Softball - Kaylie Avvisato Hits Walk-Off Home Run, 'Cats Take Series vs. Wisconsin (4/27/25)
Sunday, April 27























