Francia’s Three-Run Homer Seals 9-6 Victory Over Grizzlies

Saturday, March 29

Greeley, Colo.

12 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

12-21, 0

Montana

7-27, 0

Montana

Northern Colorado

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/29/2025 2:54:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Bears Rally in Seventh Inning to Complete Series Sweep

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado rallied late to defeat Montana 9-6 on Saturday afternoon at Gloria Rodriguez Field, sealing the victory with a dramatic three-run homer in the final frame.

Tied 6-6 heading into the bottom of the seventh, UNC (12-21, 3-0 Big Sky) found its hero in Krista Francia, who launched a three-run shot to center field to cap off a thrilling comeback. The blast marked her third homer of the season and secured the Bears' third conference win.

Montana (7-27, 0-3 Big Sky) had clawed back to tie the game in the top of the seventh, capitalizing on a wild pitch that allowed Makena Strong to cross the plate. However, UNC refused to let the game slip away, responding in dominant fashion.

UNC's offense was fueled by Krista Francia, who drove in four runs, including the walkoff two-out bomb to end the game. Katie Walling drove in three runs on two hits in four appearances, while Amailee Morales also made an impact, blasting a solo home run in the third to put Northern Colorado on the board.

Montana struck early, plating four runs in the first inning behind a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and a two-RBI single from Jocelyn Eisen. The Grizzlies later tied the game in the seventh, but UNC's late-game fireworks proved too much to overcome.

Isabelle DiNapoli started for UNC, working 2.2 innings and allowing four runs—only two earned—before turning things over to the bullpen. Grace Algrim pitched 3.2 strong innings, limiting Montana to two runs while keeping the Bears in the game.

Anna Wilming (5-8) entered in the seventh and recorded the final out before becoming the pitcher of record in UNC's walk-off victory.

Montana's Brianna Lachermeier threw four innings, giving up three runs on five hits, while Cameryn Ortega (2-8) took the loss after allowing six runs—five earned—across 2.2 innings.

UP NEXT
The Bears will travel to Pocatello, Idaho next weekend for a three game Big Sky series taking place April 4-5.

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