CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (April 10, 2022) – Amelia Thomas finished with a pair of RBIs, but Northern Iowa (18-11, 9-1 MVC) rattled off eight unanswered runs as it dealt Loyola University Chicago (9-21, 3-9 MVC) a 10-2 defeat this afternoon at the Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
 
How It Happened
After Northern Iowa pitcher Kailyn Packard retired the Ramblers in order in the top half of the first inning, the Panthers cashed in for a pair of runs in the top half of the first inning, taking a 1-0 lead following a Loyola error before doubling their advantage, 2-0, on a Kylee Sanders sacrifice fly.
 
Loyola battled back in the third inning.  A leadoff double from Abbey Jacobsen that was later followed by a Madison Ebeling walk set the table for Thomas, who lashed a one-out base hit to center field that chased home both Rambler baserunners, tying the game at 2-2.
 
Northern Iowa wasted no time in reclaiming the lead, putting up a pair in the bottom half of the third inning on an Emmy Wells base knock to center that made it 4-2.  The hosts kept their foot on the gas the rest of the way, scoring in each of the next three frames to close out a series sweep.
 
Looking At The Numbers
- Thomas led Loyola's efforts on the offensive side, finishing with her aforementioned two RBIs.
- Jacobsen, Haley Wallace, and Sophia Remsik also tallied hits for the Maroon & Gold.
- Wells drove in four runs to pace Northern Iowa, while Packard struck out six Ramblers over five innings of work.
 
Up Next
Loyola returns home next weekend, April 15-16, to host a three-game set against Illinois State.