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Softball: Northwestern blows out Michigan State
TL;DR
Northwestern softball swept Michigan State in three games, winning two decisively and one closely. The victories extended Northwestern's winning streak to six and improved their Big Ten standing.
Key points
- Northwestern swept Michigan State in three games
- Northwestern's record improved to 23-19, 11-7 B1G
- Marina Mason pitched a one-hit game in the first match
- The Wildcats extended their winning streak to six games
- Michigan State ranks last in the Big Ten conference
Northwestern WildcatsMichigan State SpartansBig Ten ConferenceMarina Mason
Northwestern softball secured its second straight sweep in conference play, outlasting Michigan State across three games at Rosemont this past weekend.
These wins — two decisive victories and one nail-biter — lifted the Wildcats (23-19, 11-7 B1G) in the Big Ten standings, extended their winning streak to six and continued their recent momentum in conference play. While Michigan State (15-28, 2-15 B1G) ranks dead last in the conference, the ‘Cats took care of business and ensured no upsets occurred amid a conference where any slip can prove costly.
Game 1: Northwestern 10, Michigan State 0 (5 innings)
The ‘Cats started this series in dominating fashion. While the offense may have driven headlines, the game’s most valuable player was Marina Mason in the circle. The standout first-year pitched 5.0 innings of one-hit ball, walking two batters and striking out six. Her performance on Friday night was a driving reason behind her being named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week.
Striking out the side to close out a one-hit shutout? Marina Mason, take a bow 👏 pic.twitter.com/Fh5eP4L4tX
— Northwestern Softball (@NUSBcats) April 18, 2026
While Mason shut down the Spartans’ offense from start to finish, the ‘Cats offense took advantage with sustained scoring across four innings. Emma Raye kicked things off in the first frame with an RBI double scoring Grace Nieto from first, and Kansas Robinson followed with a single that brought Raye home. A 2-0 lead became a 7-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a fielder’s choice from Kaylie Avvisato, a two-run RBI triple from Raye and both her and Grace Minarovic coming around to score on a throwing error from Michigan State’s pitcher. Northwestern’s batters didn’t get complacent, tacking on one more run in the third via an Avvisato triple, and two more runs in the fourth via RBI hits from Avery Garden and Abby Harvey. It was a team effort with all parts of the lineup contributing to the 8-0 run-rule victory in Friday’s opener.
Game 2: Northwestern 8, Michigan State 7
Saturday’s battle was the most contentious and contained a nearly blown lead by NU, but one it held on to with clutch play down the stretch.
As we’ve seen numerous times this season, Northwestern’s offense knows how to carry momentum from one game to the next. Raye reminded fans of that with a three-run bomb to center field in the first inning that scored Avvisato and Nieto, putting the Wildcats up 3-0 before the Spartans had even recorded an out. The following inning, NU doubled its lead on a fielder’s choice from Tru Medina along with Nieto and Raye taking advantage of some defensive lapses to make it 6-0 Northwestern.
Q&A
What was the score of the first game between Northwestern and Michigan State?
Northwestern won the first game against Michigan State with a score of 10-0 in five innings.
How did Northwestern's softball team perform in the Big Ten standings after the series?
After the series, Northwestern improved to a record of 11-7 in the Big Ten, lifting them in the conference standings.
Who was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week after the series against Michigan State?
Marina Mason was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for her outstanding performance in the series.
What is Northwestern's current winning streak in softball?
Northwestern's softball team is currently on a six-game winning streak.
