Millikin softball's fell to North Central College, 10-9, in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament at Inspiration Field.

Despite facing an early eight-run deficit after the first inning, Millikin continued to battle throughout the afternoon and nearly completed a dramatic comeback in the final inning.

The Cardinals capitalized on six hits in the opening frame to jump out to an 8-0 lead. North Central was fueled by RBI hits from Lauren Bowmar, Emma Herder, Bailey Miller, and Gwen Shouse in the inning.

Millikin immediately answered in the second inning. Brianna Denault and Emily Kobel reached base before Ann Marie Meek delivered a two-RBI single to center field, scoring both runners and cutting the deficit to 8-2.

The Big Blue offense continued to respond in the third inning. Abbey Matthews opened the frame with a single before Denault ripped an RBI double to right field. Ava Zukowski followed with another RBI double, and Abby Willis added an RBI single to bring Millikin within three runs at 8-5.

North Central added a run in the bottom half of the inning, but Millikin continued to pressure the Cardinals offensively throughout the game.

Willis led the Big Blue offense with two hits, three RBIs, and two walks, while Summer Wynn finished with two hits and four RBIs. Denault added a double, RBI, and two runs scored, while Zukowski collected two hits, including an RBI double. Kobel also reached base four times with a hit and three walks.

Trailing 9-5 entering the seventh inning, Millikin mounted one final rally. Bella Palermo opened the inning with a single before Zukowski and Kobel reached base to load the inning with traffic. Willis delivered a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to one before Wynn drove a two-run double into the gap, bringing the Big Blue within 9-8.

North Central answered in the bottom half with an RBI single from Bailey Miller to secure the 10-9 victory.