ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – It’s time to go back to the vault with 18 Sports Flashback.

On this edition, we travel back to the first season of Horseheads softball in 1976. That year, Hall of Fame coach Warren Conklin started his career for the Blue Raider program before retiring and setting milestones on a 34-year-run ending in 2010.

Under Conklin, Horseheads won three New York State Championships in 1991, 1993 and 1996. Conklin amassed 570 career wins, which is currently fourth all-time in New York State history, it was a then-state record upon his retirement.

The New York State Softball Hall of Famer and Chemung County Sports Hall of Famer, coached and guided countless future NCAA D-I, D-II and D-III players and eventual coaches. Go back to 50 years ago with this photo on 18 Sports Flashback.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.

Her very own “Empire State of Mind” may be beckoning St. Edward’s Alaina Nelson, but the senior pitcher has some unfinished business to take care of first in Elgin.

Foremost for Nelson, a softball recruit for Columbia in New York, likely would be leading the Green Wave to a second straight regional title and advancing further than last year’s sectional semifinal.

Before that, however, Nelson should end up becoming the program’s all-time strikeout leader, although she insists that aspect is entirely in the back of her mind.

“I’m pretty close to it, but I don’t go out looking for a record,” Nelson said with a shrug. “I just go out and pitch as hard as I can to get a win. I just focus on winning.

“If I can gather a few strikeouts, and I do, all that other stuff will come.”

Nolan kept it up Wednesday, throwing a two-hitter with nine strikeouts in host St. Edward’s 16-0 Chicagoland Christian Conference win over Wheaton Academy that was shortened to four innings at the Elgin Sports Complex.

In her fourth season as the team’s ace, Nolan led a nine-hit attack for the Green Wave (8-5, 6-2). She finished with three hits, including a double, and added four runs, a walk and three RBIs.

It boosted her season batting average to .361 with 10 RBIs.

Junior shortstop Layne Dawson added two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs for St. Edward, which benefitted from nine walks issued by two pitchers for Wheaton Academy (1-7, 1-6).

“I think Alaina’s pitching is pretty much the same,” St. Edward coach Jerry Kublank said. “I think she’s probably a little faster. Every year I believe she’s been a little faster.

“How much? I don’t know, maybe 10%, it’s possible.”

In February, Nolan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she had hit a personal-best 66 mph during one of her pitching lessons with Eliot Narotsky in Willowbrook.

“I’ve gone to him since I was 6 or 7 years old,” said Nolan, who grunts much like a hard server in tennis on each pitch she throws. “He’s taught a lot of girls that have gone to D-I programs and is the most knowledgeable person I could be around. I never strayed from the process and he helped me with that.

“I grunt and I grunt. I just pitch with so much energy I can’t really control it.”

She insisted breaking pitches that include a screwball, curve and rise are her bread and butter.

Her nine strikeouts Wednesday boosted her career total to 771, just 10 behind Lindsay Zdroik, the program’s record holder. Zdroik pitched the Green Wave to a fourth-place finish in Class 2A.

It’s a goal that probably appeals more to Nolan than the strikeout mark.

“I never clock her pitches because she doesn’t want me to,” Kublank said of Nolan. “She doesn’t want me to put an emphasis on it.”

Kublank was an assistant to head coach Paul Netzel for the Green Wave’s 2016 state team.

“Lindsay was a really good one and I didn’t think anyone would break her record,” Kublank said. “Then all of a sudden Alaina is getting all these strikeouts.”

Nolan gave Kublank a scare last week in a close game at Chicago Christian.

“We had a 5-4 lead in the fourth and she made an unorthodox throw, almost sidearm, making a defensive play and strained her arm and we had to take her out,” he said. “With prom last weekend and a rainout Monday, she was able to rest and come back (Wednesday).”

Nolan, who carries a 4.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale, attributed that to being tired and muscle soreness.

Already a fan of the big city from a visit when she was younger, Nolan pointed out that an official visit sold her on Columbia.

“It’s where I want to be,” she said. “I fell in love with it. I love how busy it is out there and love being around the energy and culture.”

NOTRE DAME — One seemingly normal throw in the spring of her freshman year of softball, changed everything for Allie Moss.

Although she wouldn’t know it until the summer, Moss, a Concord High graduate, had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in her elbow, which would require Tommy John surgery to repair it – somewhat rare for a softball player.

“I felt it on a throw in early March when I was playing for Trine my freshman year, but I didn’t know I had torn the ligament until the summer,’’ Moss said. “I really didn’t get it checked until it just didn’t get better and I finally went to the trainers.

“When I got an X-ray done on my elbow, they discovered a bone was also broken. When they did my surgery in the fall, they also took out a piece of the bone and repaired my elbow.’’

Moss would transfer from Trine to Saint Mary’s College during the off-season.

What followed was a long season where she was unable to play.

“It was pretty tough ... definitely a different role than I was used to,’’ Moss said. “But it made me appreciate the game more and honestly if I could change things, I’m not sure I would.

“I think sitting out gave me more perspective of the game and helped me appreciate every day. You never know when you’re playing your last game or when you could get hurt and be out for the year. I think it has helped make me a better teammate.

“My job last years was taking care of the book at our games .. that was my role. It was different, but I did love being around the team.’’

Now fully healthy, Moss is having a breakout season for the Belles, usually catching in one game of doubleheaders and playing the outfield in the other.

Hitting leadoff or second for Saint Mary’s in 2026, Moss is hitting a robust .364 this season, with a .444 on base percentage.

She’s also set a school record for the Belles with her 24 stolen bases (in 29 attempts).

“I really didn’t throw again until last summer, so I’m very excited to be back playing and it’s so fun to be out there again,’’ Moss said. “We’re really young, but I think our team is jelling and we should be a force soon.’’

One of Moss’ teammates is former Penn pitcher Aubrey Zachary, who joined the program after softball was dropped at Purdue Fort Wayne. She’s won five games this season, but missed time with a broken foot.

So how has the transfer to Saint Mary’s gone?

“It’s been a good change,’’ Moss admitted. “My faith is very important to me and I do believe God brought me back to the 574. I really love it here and I do believe my injury happened for a reason.’’

While the Belles will miss the playoffs this season in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association this spring, getting her team to the tournament in 2027 is one of Moss’ main goals.

“I really want our team to make it into the tournament and really compete, that means getting into the top four of the MIAA,’’ Moss said. “I wanted to get to 30 steals this season, but the clock is ticking and I’m not sure I’ll get there. So hopefully, I can break my record again next season and help us win.’’

The program’s all-time steals record is 68, a mark Moss would likely break if she played her final three seasons at St. Mary’s.

However.

“I am hoping to play softball for as long as I can and if I’m offered another year, I would do it. I’m just not sure I’ll be able to do it financially at Saint Mary’s.’’

An exercise science major, Moss had her sites set on either coaching or getting into sports management. But a summer internship at Grant Park in Westfield added a possible alternative.

“I worked as an operations intern at Grant park, planning tournaments and learning how to operate them,’’ Moss said. “I really enjoyed it and could see myself possibly doing it in the future.’’

LIBBY — Maddie Willis hit a pair of doubles and Libby used an eight-run fourth inning to pull away from Ronan 9-4 in a Northwest A softball showdown Tuesday.

Marie Cheff got the scoring started with an RBI double to center in the third inning for Ronan (3-5).

Willis answered with her first two-bagger to left, tying the game at one.

After the Maidens added a pair in the fourth, Libby (5-3) responded with a big inning sparked by back-to-back singles from Dakota Allen and Leah Rusdal.

Tessa Purdy gave Libby the lead with a double to left that brought home a pair and made it 5-3.

When the frame ended, Libby led 9-3. Ronan got one back on a passed ball in the fifth, but got no closer.

Carmen Kohler went the distance in the circle for Libby, striking out eight and allowing four runs on six hits.

C-Falls 21, Browning 0

C-Falls 28, Browning 0

BROWNING — Onnikka Lawrence had 12 RBIs on the day as Columbia Falls rolled to a doubleheader sweep of Browning.

In the first game, Lawrence knocked in three runs while teammate Kylie Gjesdal-Davis had six RBIs on a pair of long balls.

The Wildkats plated 11 in the third inning to take the win. Both games ended after three innings due to the mercy rule.

In the second game, Lawrence and Emma Branstetter each hit a pair of homers as the Wildkats scored 10 in the first and 18 in the second.

K Kagutosh had the lone hit on the day for the Indians.

MISSOULA — Sara Bjornson went the distance in the circle for Missoula Big Sky as the Eagles stymied a Bravettes for a 5-2 victory in Western AA softball Tuesday.

Bjornson allowed eight hits and fanned eight batters in the victory.

June Stickney threw a complete game for the Bravettes in the loss, allowing seven hits and striking out four. She added a pair of hits.

After Big Sky (9-3) got on the board thanks to a passed ball in the first, Hailey Nicoson extended the lead to 2-0 in the second with a big fly to center field.

Danica Hennell answered with a lead-off blast for Flathead (3-9) in the third to make it 2-1.

The Eagles added a run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth before Nicoson drove in her second run of the game on a single in the sixth. Big Sky added another run later in the inning.

Flathead put two runners on in the seventh, with Reese Rosenberg coming home on a passed ball, but couldn’t continue the rally.

Flathead is back on the diamond Thursday at Columbia Falls with first pitch schedule for 5 p.m.

Flathead 001 000 1 - 2 8 1

Big Sky 110 102 x - 5 7 0

June Stickney and Gwyn Hennell. Sara Bjornson and Hailey Nicoson.

FLATHEAD — June Stickney 2-4, Sophia Torgison 1-3, Olivia Nyman 0-3, Macey McIlhargey 1-3, Tegan Strauss 1-2, Makenna Korf 0-3, Reese Rosenberg 1-3, Danica Hennell 1-3, Kinsey Lake 1-3, Gwyn Hennell 0-0.

MISSOULA BIG SKY — Heaven Weaver 1-3, Sara Bjornson 0-3, Aubrey Bykari 0-3, Madison Norcorss 1-3, Logan Latrielle 1-3, Hailey Nicoson 3-3, Peyton Walters 1-3, Briella Wilson 0-2, Elise Regan 0-2.

2B — Strauss. Latrielle. 3B — Weaver. HR — D.Hennell, Nicoson. RBIs — D.Hennell, Nicoson 2, Wilson 2.

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Two masterful pitching performances highlighted mid-week action in the Twin Tiers.

Schuyler Storm softball’s Paige Ells and Horseheads’ Reese O’Herron each delivered outstanding pitching performances in wins, on Tuesday. Ells guided the Storm to a 16-1 victory over Elmira Notre Dame, reaching her 400th career strikeout as a sophomore. Along with 12 strikeouts, Ells added 3 hits including a 3rd inning triple and 4th inning RBI-single. Keira Ells and Lauren Signor also drove in runs, while Brooklynn Thompson plated a pair in the win.

The Blue Raiders also picked up a dominant victory, 22-0 over Binghamton. The 5-inning rout was highlighted by a no-hitter from the freshman O’Herron, who struck out 5 Patriot batters. Elsewhere in Section IV, Waverly topped Windsor 17-5 and #18 Tioga bested Moravia 8-5.

In the NJCAA, Corning Community College rolled to a sweep of Onondaga CC and clinched their conference crown. The Red Barons earned a 7-3 game 1 win behind a home run by Erika David, before taking the 2nd game 8-4. As a result of the wins, Corning CC earns the MSAC title with a perfect (10-0) conference record.

In NCAA Division III, former Red Baron Teona Cruz blasted 2 home runs to help Elmira College split a doubleheader with Hartwick. The Soaring Eagles took the 1st game 12-1, before dropping the finale 7-4.

Scores from Tuesday night’s high school and college sports action are listed below:
Section IV Softball:
Horseheads 22 – Binghamton 0 – Final/5
#6 Schuyler Storm 16 – Elmira Notre Dame 1
Waverly 17 – Windsor 5
#18 Tioga 8 – Moravia 5
Section IV Girls Lacrosse:
Ithaca 12 – #24 Horseheads 2 – (HHS goals: Paige Stevens, Lauren Kozemko)
Section IV Boys Lacrosse:
#23 Corning 13 – Elmira 1 – (Corning goal leaders: 3 each by Kohl Hogue, Joe Fucito, and Dylan Brewster)
Section V Flag Football:
#4 Hornell 25 – #21 Canisteo-Greenwood 12
NJCAA Softball:
Game 1: #1 Corning CC 7 – Onondaga CC 3
Game 2: #1 Corning CC 8 – Onondaga CC 4
NCAA Division III Softball:
Game 1: Elmira College 12 – Hartwick 1
Game 2: Hartwick 7 – Elmira College 4
NCAA Division III Baseball:
Utica 19 – Elmira College 1

Stick with 18 Sports for the latest on high school and college sports in the Twin Tiers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.

The UW-Eau Claire baseball team secured a complete game 4-2 victory and a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win over WIAC rival UW-Platteville in a Sunday doubleheader at Carson Park.

The Blugolds improved to 19-16 overall and 12-11 in league play.

Will Johnson ignited UW-Eau Claire’s offense with a two-run homer.

UW-Platteville managed a late push in the ninth inning. Mason Molitor’s double and advancement to third on a groundout set the stage for a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to two.

The Blugolds excelled defensively, turning a pair of double plays to secure the win.

UWEC senior Sebastian De La Toba pitched a complete game, allowing just two earned runs over nine innings. He struck out two batters and walked three while allowing six hits.

De La Toba is 5-0 this season.

In the second game, UW-Eau Claire clinched victory in a tense 10-inning contest.

After UW-Platteville took a narrow lead with a solo homer at the top of the 10th, the Blugolds responded with Logan Hesselman starting a rally with a single.

Kellen Smith reached on a fielder’s choice and promptly stole second, setting up Diego Caicedo’s single to center, which tied the score.

Caicedo advanced on an error and eventually scored the winning run on Carter Vieth’s single down the left-field line.

Caicedo recorded three hits and drove in two runs across the two games. Smith scored twice and stole two bases in game two.

Vieth collected four hits, including a double while Curti added two RBIs and hit a home run.

UW-Eau Claire is scheduled to play host to UW-Whitewater in a WIAC matchup on Wednesday at Carson Park.

SOFTBALLStout earns WIAC splitMENOMONIE — The UW-Stout softball team split a WIAC doubleheader with UW-Platteville on Sunday, winning the first game 5-1 and dropping the second game 3-1.

The Blue Devils are now 18-16 overall and 4-6 in conference play.

Junior Sarah Wilkins earned the win in Game 1.

She allowed just one run in seven innings with four strikeouts and three walks.

UW-Stout is scheduled to play at UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday.

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The Angelo State Rambelles’ win streak continues with another doubleheader sweep on Sunday, April 26.

Angelo State Rambelles softball carried a 10-game winning streak into its matchup Sunday versus Midwestern State. This was quite the favorable matchup for the home team, given that the second-place Rambelles faced the Lone Star Conference’s last place team in the Mustangs.

The Rambelles did start slowly in game one, but they quickly broke a scoreless draw in the bottom of the fourth inning to lead 6-0. Midwestern State cut the deficit to three in the top of the sixth inning, but ASU’s Zoey Sifuentes hit a no-doubter solo home run in the ensuing bottom half to ice the game, leading to Angelo State’s 7-3 win.

Game two was a different story at first, as the Rambelles quickly jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and led 4-0 after three. The Rambelles’ offense remained quiet the rest of the game, totaling just four hits, but pitching was once again outstanding as Addy Ewing pitched a complete seven-inning game. She allowed just three hits, recorded three strikeouts, allowed no walks and no runs. The Rambelles completed the sweep with a 4-0 win. This extends the team’s winning streak to 12 games, also now having won 15 of their last 16.

Angelo State’s next matchup is one the team has had circled on its calendar all season. A showdown of the top two teams in the Lone Star Conference awaits in Canyon, Texas as second-place Angelo State travels to face first-place West Texas A&M. Only one game separates these teams in the LSC standings with one week remaining in the regular season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.

Here are all the local scores from Saturday, April 25.

BASEBALL

Concord 4, Fairfield 2 (Game 1, 9 inn.)

Concord 7, Fairfield 5 (Game 2)

Concord swept Fairfield in a doubleheader at Benton Saturday. In the first game, the Falcons and Minutemen were tied at 2-2 by the third inning and needed two runs in the ninth inning to push the first of two wins across. Concord sophomore Drake Weatherholt got the start on the mound, throwing all nine innings and striking out seven batters while walking just one.

In game two, Fairfield plated three runs in the sixth to take a 5-3 lead into the seventh inning, but the Minutemen scored four times and earned the come-from-behind win while giving up just two hits. The Falcons defense committed six errors in the game to hurt Lucas Graber’s strong start on the mound. In the two games, Concord’s Derek Gomez was 3-of-7, scoring three times and hitting two doubles. Grady Chupp and Landon Beasy each earned two hits on the day for Fairfield. Concord is now 6-1 while Fairfield falls to 2-9.

SB St. Joseph 9, Northridge 6 (Game 1)

SB St. Joseph 9, Northridge 5 (Game 2)

South Bend St. Joseph swept Northridge in a doubleheader in Middlebury on Saturday. The Raiders led 6-1 in the first game after just two innings, but the bats went quiet the rest of the way, allowing the Huskies to score the final eight runs of the game. Northridge’s three-man staff threw handed out 12 walks while striking out just six batters.

The carryover of limited offense continued for the Raiders in game two, but a late rally would make the score closer in the end. The Raiders scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh, but the comeback fell short. Combined, Hayden Gorball was the lone Northridge batter to record three hits as Caleb Irwin, and Preston Ryan both tallied two on the day. The Raiders fall to 3-6 with the pair of losses.

Wawasee 10, Prairie Heights 7

Wawasee earned its first win of the season Saturday when the Warriors put up 10 runs on Prairie Heights. Garrett Tittle started the game and pitched three innings while finishing 2-of-3 at the dish. Mason McKibben was 2-of-3 and drove in two runs. Wawasee is now 1-6 overall.

SOFTBALL

FW Carroll 11, NorthWood 2

NorthWood 8, North Central 4

NorthWood split its two matchups at Fort Wayne Carroll Saturday, losing to the Chargers but defeating North Central. In the first game, Carroll produced eight runs in the first three innings before NorthWood put up a pair in the fourth. Fort Wayne only out-hit the Panthers 5-2, but six walks from NorthWood pitching was the difference. At the plate NorthWood struck out 15 times.

In the second game the Panthers offense came alive late, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to rally past North Central. NorthWood tallied 12 hits as a team with three coming from Victoria Vega and three more from Olive Roeder. Payton Sears drove in three runs. NorthWood is now 5-7 on the season.

FW Snider 18, Wawasee 5

Wawasee 14, Whitko 8

Wawasee split its outings with Fort Wayne Snider and Whitko Saturday in Syracuse. In the first game, Snider poured on four runs in the seventh to earn the double-digit win over the Warriors, who had five hits from five different batters.

In the second game, Wawasee’s Kirra Alvarez had nine strikeouts on the mound while Heatherlynn Holder, Ashlynn Corn and Tatum Thorn each had two RBI’s on the day. The Warriors improve to 5-7 on the season.

BOYS GOLF

Lakeland Invitational

Westview (319), Lakeland (338), NorthWood (339), Angola (344), Jimtown (353), Prairie Heights (361), Concord (362), Eastside (375), Garrett (377), West Noble (386), Elkhart Christian (388), Churubusco (402)

Westview ran away with the Lakeland Invitational title Saturday on its home course at Heron Creek. Leading the way wad Luke Haarer, who shot a invite-best 71. He was followed by teammates Brett Springer (79), Tyler Brewer (83) and Cooper Schwartz (86). NorthWood finished a stroke out of second, settling for third. Caleb Vincent was second overall with a score of 75. Concord finished seventh. Nathan Potter led the way with an 86 while Kolten McCloughen (87), Trevin Koontz (88) and Dominic Paino (101) followed.

Manchester Invitational

Northridge (303), Fairfield (320), Tippecanoe Valley (342), Central Noble (346), Manchester (380), Northfield (391), Triton (393), Whitko (418), John Glenn (424)

Northridge and Fairfield earned the top two spots at the Manchester Invitational Saturday, but the Raiders got the edge for the overall team title. Kaden Miller shot an impressive four-under-par 68 for the medalist spot. Third-place overall was Brady Riegsecker, with a 77. He was followed by Cooper Kropf (79) and Owen Kaehr (79). Fairfield was led by Jake Elliott (73), and was followed by Jayce Smith (77), Ben Kio (83) and Logan Leatherman (87).

GIRLS TENNIS

Bethany Christian 4, FW Canterbury 1

Bethany Christian earned a win over Canterbury Saturday in Fort Wayne. The Bruins featured winners were Rachel Hirschler (1S: 6-2, 6-0), Brianna Moser (2S: 6-0, 6-3), Cori Chupp and Adrienne Chupp (1D: 6-1, 6-2), and Valeria Torres and Luna Calderon at No. 2 doubles. Bethany Christian is now 4-0 this season.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

Goshen Relays

The Concord boys repeated as Goshen Relays boys team champions Saturday. You can read more in the full story from the boys portion of the meet on our website and linked above.

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Goshen Relays

The Goshen girls repeated as Goshen Relays girls team champions Saturday. You can read more in the full story from the girls portion of the meet on our website and linked above.

Penn Invitational

Penn (108), Valparaiso (101), Elkhart (78), Warsaw (59), SB Adams (54), Plymouth (51), Fairfield (45), Northridge (38), SB Riley (33), Morgan Township (32), SB Washington (21), Culver Academies (3)

Fairfield finished seventh and Northridge was sixth at the Lady Kingsmen Invitational Saturday at Penn. The Falcons won two events with Claira Foust triumphing in the high jump (5’5”) and Emma Walter winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.01 seconds. Northridge’s Lily Vasil won first in the pole vault with a vault of 10’9”. Other featured performances include Foust placing third in the long jump, Northridge’s Alli Ambers placing fourth in the 800-meter run and freshman Brayleigh Adams finishing fifth in the mile.

Churubusco Invitational

Gold: Columbia City (119.5), East Noble (98), Leo (90), West Noble (85), FW Bishop Dwenger (79), Angola (33), Huntington North (32), FW Wayne (26), Bellmont (23.5), Garrett (16), DeKalb (12), FW North Side (10)

Black: Churubusco (120.5), Lakeland (99), Eastside (80.5), Manchester (69.5), Woodlan (58.5), Monroe Central (52.5), Whitko (46), Westview (38.5), Prairie Heights (32), FW Blackhawk (27)

Westview participated in the 2026 Turtle Town Classic Saturday. The Warriors placed eighth in the Black division and had a highlight performance from Jordynn Wasson in the 400-meter dash (2nd, 1:01.59).

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Valparaiso Invite

* Northridge 2, Merrillville 0

* Northridge 2, Westville 0

* Valparaiso 2, Northridge 0

* Penn 2, Northridge 0

Northridge finished 2-2 at the Valparaiso Invite Saturday at the home of the Vikings. The Raider beat Merrillville 25-15, 25-14 and Westville 25-21, 25-10 before falling to Valparaiso 25-17, 25-22 and Penn 25-22, 26-24. Owen Holmes tallied 24 kills on the afternoon and Jayse Runyan added 21. Holmes and Jose Duran each recorded five aces while Holmes and Runyan added four blocks. Northridge is now 10-6 on the year.

Black Slam Invitational at NorthWood

* NorthWood 2, FW Carroll (C) 0

* NorthWood 2, SB Adams 0

* SB Riley 2, NorthWood 0 (Championship)

NorthWood, South Bend Adams, South Bend Riley, Granger Christian, Fort Wayne South Side and Fort Wayne Carroll’s C-team joined together for the first Black Slam Invite on Saturday.

NorthWood defeated Carroll 25-12, 25-17 in its first pool game and made it 2-0 when the Panthers beat South Bend Adams 25-14, 25-17. The hosts would meet South Bend Riley in the championship game, which was won by the Wildcats 25-14, 25-14. There were no individual stats available by publication. NorthWood is now 2-6 on the year.

Apr. 26—GRAND FORKS — After UND's 2-0 win over NDSU Sunday afternoon at Albrecht Field, Tegan Livesay was quick to remind her dad that he owed her headphones.

The pair had a bet going: if the Fighting Hawks junior pitcher managed to throw a no-hitter, he would buy her a pair.

Livesay exited the pitching circle in the seventh inning after forcing the final out and crouched down in shock. She was promptly swarmed by cheering teammates.

Seven innings, five strikeouts, six walks and no hits: Livesay had won the bet with her dad. But more importantly, she had her first collegiate no-hitter.

"It just took my breath away," Livesay said. "Honestly, I've wanted one for so long. ... It was just breathtaking, just amazing to do it on such a special day, Senior Day, and just with a special group of people. ... We'll see if (my dad) pays up."

The field was awash with emotion during and after the Senior Day ceremonies following the game.

UND wasn't just celebrating its six seniors and a series-clinching win over its in-state rival.

Sunday also marked the program's 27th victory this season, setting a new single-season win record for the program.

"These (seniors), No. 1, stuck with it," UND head coach Jordan Stevens said. "Outside of Taya (Hopfauf), they didn't get a lot of playing time early. It wasn't a very successful season in their first year. And to see them just get through it and get to a point in which they've just set the single-season record for wins means a ton.

"They helped us take another step in this program. I think some classes before them laid a great foundation, and these kids just raised the bar for our program. Just really proud of the way that they just stuck through it, stuck through some low times, and now they'll forever be in the record book as the best team."

Senior catcher Taya Hopfauf, who owns the program record for most games played (203), had a hit, a run and a stolen base in her last game at Albrecht Field.

"Senior Night is always an emotional night of the year," Hopfauf said. "But knowing that it was against NDSU, and it was our last time here at Albrecht Field with this team — it's a once-in-a-lifetime night to be able to celebrate it with these girls. And to get the win over NDSU, that's just the cherry on top."

The celebrations didn't stop there. Shortly after the Senior Day festivities concluded, outfielder Brooklyn Morris and Hopfauf were asked to step into the pitcher's circle.

It was announced that the two seniors will be inaugural inductees into the North Dakota Softball All-Stars Hall of Fame at the Scheels Softball All-Star series in Bismarck on June 2.

Hopfauf is a native of Dickinson, N.D., and Morris is from Bismarck.

"I didn't know (I was being inducted)," Hopfauf said. "It's special to be from North Dakota and to stand for something more than just UND softball, but softball in North Dakota as a whole. ... I never imagined it would be a thing, and it's pretty special to be a part of."

The no-hitter, Senior Day and the Hall of Fame announcements stole the show.

It was a junior and a sophomore, though, who gave the Hawks a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning.

Hopfauf and freshman Jaydyn Valdez each got on base with singles. They were driven in by junior Hailey Bethune and sophomore designated player Chloe Bethune, who each hit RBI singles for what turned out to be the game-winning runs.

"We got a big pitching performance, some big at-bats from some young kids to get a couple," Stevens said. "It's just a remarkable way for these kids to go out of the home portion of their senior year. And beating a rival makes it a little bit more fun."

The Hawks are last in the Summit League with a 4-10 record. To make the tournament, they'll have to catch up with Kansas City, which is 6-11.

UND will close out the regular season with a three-game road series against St. Thomas, which starts on Thursday.

"(Today's win) was super confidence-boosting," Livesay said. "I think everybody knows that our backs are against the wall right now, and everybody is doing everything in their power to push us over that hill. Today showed that we can make plays, we can get the timely hits."

TROY — Addyson Fisher went 3-for-4 with three RBIs as Troy pushed past Eureka 9-7 in a Western B softball showdown Thursday.

Eureka (4-7) started the scoring with a Maren Lytle single to left field that scored a pair.

Troy (7-4) had a quick answer as Allie Borgmann tied the game in the bottom of the first with an RBI single to center.

Each team added another run in the second before Troy took control in the third.

Ainsley Huitron doubled to give the Trojans a 5-3 lead. Then after an RBI fielder’s choice, Fisher drove in a pair with a double to center.

The Lions fought back with a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth as Lytle hit a sacrifice fly to make it 9-7.

Eureka loaded the bases in the seventh thanks to three walks, but Fisher got Leah Tkachyk to strike out and end the game.

Claira Folkerts threw five innings in the circle for Troy, allowing seven runs on three hits. Fisher added two no-hit innings in relief.

Autumn Thomas went 3 2-3 innings for the Lions, allowing one run on four hits and fanning five.

Rain forces postponements

Inclement weather forced the postponement of two scheduled softball games in the area Thursday.

Polson and Columbia Falls’ matchup along with Ronan and Corvallis’ battle were called off due to the weather with no immediate make-up day announced.