CLERMONT, FL - A six-run top of the first inning and a seven-run top of the fourth inning would be enough to propel the Northern State University Wolves to a 16-1 victory against the Salem International University Tigers on Wednesday afternoon (March 8) in NCAA Division II softball action.

Sophomore Jordan Whitaker finished the game 1-for-2 at the plate for SIU, while freshman Morgan Atkinson was responsible for plating the Tigers' run in the bottom of the first inning.

The Wolves connected on a pair of home runs against SIU junior Kayla Lynch in the top of the first inning. Katie Dawson capped-off Northern State's scoring in the frame with a three-run home run to left field, giving the Wolves a 6-0 lead.

Senior Vanessa Jimenez and junior Tori Butler started the bottom of the inning with back-to-back walks for the Tigers. An error by the Wolves would allow junior Ariana Garcia to reach base and put runners on all three bases for SIU. Atkinson plated one run for the Tigers, grounding out the shortstop.

The Tigers made a call to the bullpen to start the top of the second inning as junior Katie Holestin took over in the circle for SIU. A pair of doubles by the Wolves in the frame would up their lead to 9-1.

Both teams would go scoreless in the third inning as SIU worked around a one-out double from the Wolves. Northern State retired the side in order to send things to the fourth inning.

Northern State plated seven runs in the fourth on the strength of two home runs to take a 16-1 lead. Lauren Kunz hit the Wolves' second three-run home run of the contest and would be followed by a solo home run from Kristen King.

Lynch (2-5) took the loss for the Tigers, allowing six runs on four hits with one walk and one strikeout. Holestin tossed 2.1 innings for SIU, surrendering six runs on six hits. Senior Jordan Williams worked the final 1.2 innings for the Tigers, allowing four runs on five hits with two strikeouts.

Jamie Fisher (4-2) tossed all five innings for the Wolves and fanned five batters while issuing three walks and holding the Tigers to one hit.