KANSAS CITY, Mo.--North Dakota State University swept UMKC by the scores of 6-2 and 6-0 in a Summit League women's softball doubleheader played Friday, March 20, at Cleveland Park.

North Dakota State (15-11, 4-1 Summit) closes out the three-game league series against UMKC at noon Saturday, March 21.

The Bison scored single runs in the second, third and fifth innings to build a 3-1 lead. Kelly Cantrell led off the second with a solo home run, her second of the season. Elisa Victa delivered a RBI single in the third and NDSU took advantage of a throwing error.

UMKC (5-20, 0-5 Summit) rallied to cut the deficit to 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth on an Amanda Evans two-out single. Chelsea Hartwig hit a solo home run in the fourth, her fifth of the season, in the fourth frame.

North Dakota State added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Cantrell, who went 2 for 3 in the opener, smacked a RBI double. Melissa Chmielewski chased home a run with a ground out, while Victa scored on a double steal with teammate Taylor Mortensen. Victa also had two hits.

Andi Padilla (11-5) recorded the win for the Bison. Padilla scattered four hits, walked three and struck out six. Samantha Hurst (1-9) picked up the loss for UMKC. Hurst allowed seven hits, struck out six and walked four.

The second game was highlighted by Kim Westendorf's five-hit shutout, her first of the season and fourth by the NDSU pitching staff this season. Westendorf (2-3) walked two and struck out two in handcuffing the Kangaroos.

Westendorf received help on defense as the Bison turned a double play and Cantrell picked a UMKC baserunner off first base.

Offensively, Taylor Lynn laced a two-out, two-run double to left center field in the second inning. Victa went 2 for 4 with two runs scored in the second game.

Richel Briones knocked in a run with a ground out in the third inning to put the Bison ahead 3-0. Briones drove in another with a sacrifice fly in the three-run seventh. NDSU also took advantage of a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch to add two other runs.

Nicholle Ellis, Taya Upkes and Hurst pitched for UMKC with Ellis (3-4) picking up the loss. Betsy Hanley had a double for the Kangaroos.