MACOMB, Ill.--Kamren Ferguson fired a four-hit shutout to lead Western Illinois University to a 4-0 win over North Dakota State University in a Summit League women's softball game played Saturday, April 18, at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium. The Westerwinds take two of the three games played between the league leaders and have a half-game lead in the standings.

North Dakota State (24-15, 12-3 Summit) is scheduled to play Notre Dame (28-13, 10-3 Big East) in a 2:30 p.m. (Central) doubleheader Wednesday, April 22, in South Bend, Ind. The Bison then travel for a three game series with IPFW (14-18, 9-7 Summit) on April 24-25 in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Western Illinois (21-16, 12-2 Summit) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on Jamie Goss' two-run home run to left field.

The Westerwinds tacked on an insurance runs on Colleen Biebel's triple in the fifth inning. Biebel finished with two hits including a double and the three-base hit.

Ferguson (12-7) allowed the Bison just four singles. She struck out five and walked three as NDSU stranded eight baserunners.

North Dakota State catcher Kelly Cantrell, who had one of the four hits, did her part to slow down the Westerwinds. She threw out one baserunner attempting to steal and picked another off first. This season Cantrell has thrown out 13 of 25 opposing baserunners attempting to steal and recorded six pick-offs.

Andi Padilla (16-9) picked up the loss. Padilla gave up nine hits, struck out two and issued no walks.