FORT WAYNE, Ind.--Nicole Rivera went 3 for 7 with three RBI and two runs scored and Kim Westendorf tossed a two-hit shutout as North Dakota State University defeated IPFW by the scores of 7-1 and 3-0 in a Summit League women's softball doubleheader played Friday, April 24, at the IPFW Softball Field. The teams conclude the three-game series with a single-game at 11 a.m. (Central) Saturday, April 25.

North Dakota State (27-16, 14-3 Summit), which trails Western Illinois (24-17, 14-2 Summit) by a half-game in the league standings, did all of its scoring in the last three innings of the first game including six runs over the last two frames.

The Bison broke the 0-0 deadlock in the fifth inning. Rivera reached on a throwing error, moved to second on a ground out and scored on Melissa Chmielewski's single down the right field line.

Three straight two-out RBI singles helped NDSU extend the lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth. Kelly Cantrell, Elisa Victa and Rivera each had run-scoring hits.

IPFW (14-20, 9-9 Summit) cut the deficit to 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth, but the Bison responded with a three-run seventh inning to break open the contest. Taylor Mortensen chased home one run on a fielder's choice, Taylor Lynn came through with a squeeze bunt and Rivera knocked in her second run of the game.

North Dakota State outhit the Mastodons 10-7 as Laurel Pipkin, Cantrell and Rivera each had two hits.

Andi Padilla (18-9) picked up the win in the first game. Padilla struck out three and walked four. She also took advantage of an alert defense that turned one double play and Cantrell picked off her first of two IPFW baserunners in the twinbill.

Courtney Cronin (9-6) recorded the loss for IPFW. Cronin struck out seven and walked two. She also helped herself at the plate going 3 for 3 with a RBI.

North Dakota State scratched out a close one in the nightcap. Westendorf (7-4) improved to 5-0 in league games and notched her third shutout of the season. She struck out two and walked one. The Mastodons didn't advance a runner to second base during the game.

The Bison scored once in the top of the second. Lynn doubled to left field with one out and scored on a Rivera single.

NDSU scored twice in the top of the sixth inning to extend the lead to 3-0. Breanna Konz belted a two-run single to center field to drive in Victa and Chmielewski, who opened the frame with a single and walk. Victa finished with a pair of singles as the Bison collected seven hits overall.

Rachel Staschuk (4-8) picked up the loss for IPFW. Staschuk struck out three and walked two. Kaylee Faurote and Staschuk had the base hits for the Mastodons.