Northwestern started conference play winless against Washington as it left Seattle outscored 25-6 across three contests.
The Wildcats struggled early on in the matchup with sophomore pitcher Emma Blea, giving up seven hits and six runs in her two innings. She was quickly replaced by redshirt sophomore Signe Dohse, who gave up a run before the game was delayed for weather.
Picking up where they left off, the ’Cats’ plight would continue into the next day when Dohse allowed a three-run home run in the fourth inning. Despite putting some points on the board that same inning and another pitching change, NU would go on to have a 13-2 run-rule loss.
After a small break, the ’Cats had found a rhythm in their second contest with freshman pitcher Marina Mason. She struck out six Huskie batters in 79 pitches. Both teams were locked in a stalemate until the sixth inning, when a series of throwing errors allowed Washington to score two runs.
On Sunday, NU started the game with urgency. Graduate student second baseman Grace Nieto was able to set the tone with a double to start the game. Senior first baseman Kansas Robinson, batting fourth, swiftly sent the ball flying over the wall during her first at bat, giving the ’Cats the early lead, 2-0.
The Huskies quickly bit back that same inning as junior pitcher Riley Grudzielanek allowed three hits, bringing the score 2-1.
This back and forth would continue as errors by Washington would give Nieto another double and the ’Cats two more runs. In the latter half, Huskies infielder/outfielder Sophi Mazzola would drive a double into left field as Grudzielanek’s pitching continued to struggle with two walks. NU brought back freshman pitcher Marina Mason to the mound but it didn’t alleviate its woes as almost immediately after Washington No. 3 hitter Giselle Alvarez delivered a grand slam.
The Huskies would continue their tear in the third. Mazzola’s power hitting would continue with a two-run home run and No. 8 hitter Melody Acevedo would follow up with one of her own.
By the time the inning ended, pitcher Blea would come back in for the ’Cats as Washington led 9-4.
Despite the strong effort, NU could not cut the lead down and would conclude the game with a 10-4 loss in six innings, bringing the team’s total ranked losses to ten.
The ’Cats season will continue against Detroit Mercy on Friday. Their next conference matchup will be against Illinois on March 20.
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