WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll's softball team lost both games of a doubleheader to North Central (IL) Tuesday afternoon in what was the Pios' conference-opening series. North Central won a 2-1 marathon in 11 innings to start the day, before earning a sweep with a 5-1 victory in game two, which was called after five innings due to darkness.

The Pioneers (6-14, 0-2 CCIW) controlled much of the first game, getting out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI double off the bat of Sydney Raddeman. North Central tied things up in the fifth on an RBI single, which set the tone for extra innings. After the first three extra frames were uneventful, North Central scored in the top of the 11th on a fielding error, which proved to be the deciding run.

Carroll out-hit North Central 12-4, with Kiana Johnson's three base knocks leading the way. Abby Curtis and Madison Palasz each added two hits in the contest. Andrea Kuhne started and was brilliant in the circle, allowing one run on just two hits, while striking out four in five innings of work. Hannah Martin received the tough luck loss, despite allowing zero earned runs on two hits and striking out four in five innings of relief.

In the nightcap, North Central (15-3, 3-1 CCIW) wasted no time in getting on the board, plating two runs on a single in the bottom of the first. They would add another run on a throwing error in the third before Carroll scored their only run, coming when Alyssa Sorochan drew a bases loaded walk. NCC would add two insurance runs later in the contest to secure the sweep.

The Pios finished game two with five hits from five different players. Riley Pavelka recorded two strikeouts in the circle.

Carroll is scheduled to be in action at home again on Thursday against Carthage College at 3 p.m.