With the new division alignment in the GLIAC this year, the AU softball team is scheduled to make just one regular season trip to Michigan for the 2011 campaign. The Eagles began the six-game swing April 15 with a split at Northwood.

Game one

Emlyn Knerem tossed her second consecutive no-hitter, and the sixth of her career, in an 8-0 run-rule victory. NU (15-14-1, 9-8-1 GLIAC) bounced back to take game two by a count of 8-1.

Knerem (16-3) recorded the 700th strikeout of her career in the bottom of the first inning of game one, punching out Timberwolves’ designated player Angela Comer. The junior finished with seven strikeouts on her way to the 25th shutout of her career.

The Eagles (22-10, 14-2 GLIAC) opened the scoring with two runs in the first off a single up the middle by second baseman Cayla Seidler. AU added another in the second, after a single by Lyndsey Brandt plated pinch runner Jenni Goodrich. Goodrich ran for catcher Tawna Garver, who led the inning off with a single to left.

Four runs in the fourth gave Knerem a cushion that she didn’t really need. The inning was highlighted by Logan Hursey’s eighth home run of the season. Two hits and three NU errors contributed to the Eagles’ final three runs of the frame.

Shortstop Bri Woody hit her fourth round tripper of the season down the left-field line to score the Eagles’ eighth and final run of game one. The junior finished the game 2-for-3.

Brandt finished 2-for-3 as well, with two RBI in her 10th multi-hit game of the season.

Despite snapping her 19-game hitting streak in game one, Alyssa Kelley doubled into the left-center field gap in the bottom of the first inning of game two for the 150th base-hit of her career.

Game two

Hursey (2-7) struggled to find the strike zone in game two, walking six in 0.2 innings.

Northwood got two hits off freshman relief pitcher Carly Clark in the top of the first, capping off a six-run opening frame. Clark threw the final 6.1 innings, giving up two runs of her own on five walks and four hits.

Woody went 1-for-4 at the plate in game two, extending her hitting streak to 14 games.

NU’s Megan Eddy (11-2) earned the game two victory, surrendering one run on four hits and three free passes.

The Eagles were scheduled to play two games at Saginaw Valley State last Saturday but, due to weather, the back-to-back doubleheaders were postponed.

The two games at Lake Erie Wednesday were not available at press time. The Eagles are next in action at home against Wayne State Friday.

Friday’s doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled to start at noon.