WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue softball squad earned its first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 with the 2-1 take-down vs. No. 21 Northwestern. The victory evened the series, 1-1, as Purdue improved to 22-21 (9-7 Big Ten) and Northwestern fell to 28-9 (14-2 Big Ten).
The victory marked Purdue's 10th win in the last 13 games and snapped Northwestern's nine-game winning streak. Meanwhile, it was the first Boilermaker win versus the Wildcats since 2021, which also served as the last series win against the Evanston team.
The game-winner came on the bat of Tyrina Jones in the fourth inning. With two outs, runners on second and third and a 2-2 count, Jones notched a two RBI double for the game decider. Runs were scored by Kyndall Bailey, who had reached on a hit-by-pitch, and Sage Scarmardo, who had singled through the right side and was able to advance to second, moving Bailey to third on the Wildcats' throw before Jones' trip to the plate.
Northwestern responded with a run of its own in the fifth inning, cutting the lead to one and was able to move a runner to third in the seventh inning before Purdue ended the game on a catch by center fielder Kiara Dillon.
Julia Gossett led the way with five strikeouts, including three looking, in her 6.0 innings pitched. The freshman starter improved to 9-9 on the season, allowing five hits and one run in her 27 batters faced. Meanwhile, junior Kendall Klochack entered in relief for the seventh inning for her second save of the season.
The Boilermakers took care of business defensively, leaving nine Wildcat runners stranded.
Khloe Banks led the team with two hits. Meanwhile, in addition to Jones's double, Moriah Polar registered a triple in the first inning.
Tomorrow, the series victor will be decided. The game is set for a 1 p.m. ET start on B1G+.
The victory marked Purdue's 10th win in the last 13 games and snapped Northwestern's nine-game winning streak. Meanwhile, it was the first Boilermaker win versus the Wildcats since 2021, which also served as the last series win against the Evanston team.
The game-winner came on the bat of Tyrina Jones in the fourth inning. With two outs, runners on second and third and a 2-2 count, Jones notched a two RBI double for the game decider. Runs were scored by Kyndall Bailey, who had reached on a hit-by-pitch, and Sage Scarmardo, who had singled through the right side and was able to advance to second, moving Bailey to third on the Wildcats' throw before Jones' trip to the plate.
Northwestern responded with a run of its own in the fifth inning, cutting the lead to one and was able to move a runner to third in the seventh inning before Purdue ended the game on a catch by center fielder Kiara Dillon.
Julia Gossett led the way with five strikeouts, including three looking, in her 6.0 innings pitched. The freshman starter improved to 9-9 on the season, allowing five hits and one run in her 27 batters faced. Meanwhile, junior Kendall Klochack entered in relief for the seventh inning for her second save of the season.
The Boilermakers took care of business defensively, leaving nine Wildcat runners stranded.
Khloe Banks led the team with two hits. Meanwhile, in addition to Jones's double, Moriah Polar registered a triple in the first inning.
Tomorrow, the series victor will be decided. The game is set for a 1 p.m. ET start on B1G+.