Bears Sweep Kansas City on Opening Day of Colorado Classic

Thursday, March 5

Greeley, Colo.

1 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

9-12

Kansas City

8-11

Kansas City

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/5/2026 7:40:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado opened the Colorado Classic with a sweep of Kansas City on Thursday at Gloria Rodriguez Field, rallying for a 3-2 walk-off win in game one before securing a 12-8 victory in the second game of the doubleheader.

GAME ONE: Northern Colorado 3, Kansas City 2
The Bears relied on a strong pitching performance and late-game execution to take the opener and improve to 9-12 overall.

Kansas City jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but Northern Colorado chipped away at the deficit. The Bears got on the board in the second before adding another run in the third to tie the game at 2-2.

Both teams were held scoreless through the middle innings as Anna Wilming settled into a rhythm in the circle, keeping the Roos off balance while the UNC offense continued to apply pressure.

The Bears broke through in the bottom of the seventh. After working runners on base, Krista Francia delivered the decisive hit with a triple that drove in the winning run and sealed the walk-off victory.

Wilming (6-2) went the distance for Northern Colorado, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out nine to earn the complete-game victory.

Northern Colorado tallied nine hits in the win. Katie Walling led the offense with two hits, while Amailee Morales, Ella Gonzales and Francia each added key contributions at the plate.

GAME TWO: Northern Colorado 12, Kansas City 8
The Bears' offense erupted in the second game as Northern Colorado collected 15 hits and scored in five different innings to complete the sweep.

UNC set the tone early, scoring twice in the first inning before adding one in the second and two more in the third to build a 5-0 advantage.

Kansas City responded with a five-run fifth inning to close the gap, but the Bears answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Northern Colorado plated three runs to regain control before adding another run in the sixth to maintain the lead.

Hayden Nelson powered the offense with a home run and four RBIs, while Jazzy Longo and Krista Francia also launched home runs for the Bears. Ella Gonzales led the team with three hits, including two doubles, as Northern Colorado piled up 15 hits in the victory.

Ellyse Hydock (3-5) earned the win in relief, striking out four across four innings of work. Aiyana Cordero and Grace Algrim also saw time in the circle as the Bears secured the opening-day sweep.

DUE UP: Due to projected weather conditions and colder temperatures in the Greeley area, Northern Colorado has adjusted its schedule for the remainder of the Colorado Classic. Friday's originally scheduled doubleheader against South Dakota will now be played as a single game beginning at 2 p.m. at Gloria Rodriguez Field.

The Bears will conclude the weekend with a doubleheader against South Dakota on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 10 a.m. followed by game two at 12:30 p.m.

Rally Starters Club: The Rally Starters Club is essential to the success of UNC Softball, providing enhanced training resources, advanced technology, and competitive travel opportunities that help the Bears compete at the highest level. These investments directly enrich the student-athlete experience and ensure the team is equipped to excel on and off the field.

Give to the Rally Starters Club today!

FOLLOW THE BEARS: For the latest news and updates on Northern Colorado Softball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @UNC_BearsSB, and on Facebook at /UNCBearsSB.