NAMPA, Idaho – The Northwest Nazarene softball team has been preaching family this season: Play together, win together.

That was never more evident than Saturday. Nearly everyone on the roster got into the two games against Willamette University and contributed as the Nighthawks won 9-1 and 10-2 with both ending in five innings.

"I think it is important for our team chemistry," senior Anna Williams said. "Just knowing that everyone can contribute and score runs and help us win games. That is just the best part, knowing what we are all capable of together."

In the opener, NNU (9-5 overall) used mostly all of its regular starters while in the nightcap the Nighthawks featured players playing on all sorts of creative spots on the diamond.

Williams played first base for the first time in nearly two years and Ivy Hommel started behind the plate.

"Whatever we succeed at this year we want it to happen together," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "So, for that to happen this weekend, we are putting our foot in the right direction."

The Nighthawks open GNAC play next weekend at Simon Fraser with four games. Sweeping Menlo College on Friday and Willamette on Saturday is a nice way to get ready for those intense games.

In the opener, Kylie Orr hit her second homer in as many days, driving in three runs, while Williams was 3-for-4 with a double, triple and an RBI and Hommel added a run-scoring double.
Jackie Vargas earned the win in the circle, allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts in four innings. Madalyn Smith added two RBIs.

In the nightcap, Williams hit a two-run home run, Lyndzie Parker a two-run double and Maia McNicoll had two hits and an RBI. Jordan Adams got the win, allowing two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts in four innings.

"It's really awesome to have our starters who are usually in the field on the bench cheering us on and being supportive," said Parker, who started both games at second base. "It was really good to get a bunch of different people in the game and get a lot of people at bats."

The Nighthawks banged out 20 hits and drew 10 walks as they overwhelmed the Division III Bearcats (0-4) pitching staff.

"Getting the bats going is a big deal," Wagner said. "That is what we wanted to do. We wanted everyone on the roster to feel good about their swing. We played great defense the whole weekend and we're just throwing strikes.

"We've been preaching commanding the zone and we still have some work to do in that area, but I thought it was a great weekend all the way around heading into conference."