Softball drops pair on first day of Wilson/DeMarini Invitational

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Northern Colorado softball struggled through two scoreless losses Friday during the first day of the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational at Arizona State.

The Bears couldn't get their bats going in a 4-0 loss to Creighton to start the day and then struggled at the plate and in the circle in a 11-0, six-inning loss to Northern Iowa at Farrington Stadium.

"A couple of bad calls by the umpire combined with us not playing very well adds up to a loss," Northern Colorado coach Mark Montgomery said. "We pitched well in the first game but struggled at the plate. Until we do both of those well we're not going to win very many games."

Northern Colorado (1-10) will continue play in Tempe tomorrow with a game against the host Sun Devils and another against New Mexico State, which handed the Bears a couple of losses last month at the Hotel Encanto Invitational in Las Cruces, N.M.

The Bears combined for two hits on the day, with senior Megan Hamilton finishing 1-for-2 against the Bluejays (7-4) and junior Erin Wilkinson doing the same against the Panthers (8-3).

Senior Jamie Juelfs (0-5) allowed three earned runs on seven hits in five innings in the start against Creighton. She struck out four and walked two.

Senior Kelli Henderson (0-5) lasted just 2 1/3 innings against Northern Iowa, allowing five earned runs on six hits. Juelfs came on in relief but allowed five hits in 1 2/3 innings.