EVANSTON, Ill. — It’s tournament season in Evanston, and the Wildcats took their first step toward advancing out of their regional, defeating Oakland 9-2 Friday afternoon. The outcome wasn’t always certain, due to a shaky third inning, but the ‘Cats were able to pull ahead behind an explosive fifth frame to earn their first win of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Northwestern’s ace, Danielle Williams, began her tournament in a big way on the mound. The senior pitcher notched eight strikeouts, while allowing just four hits and two earned runs.
The Wildcats were led at the plate by Maeve Nelson, who went 2-for-4 with a pair of homers and four RBI.