Winter Haven, Fla.—Junior second baseman Noelle Simmons (Goffstown, N.H.) went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI as Rhode Island College opened the 2025 season with a 9-4 setback on Saturday morning.
 
THE BASICS
University of Northwestern 9, Rhode Island College 4
University of Northwestern (5-4)
Rhode Island College (0-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• RIC fell behind after the Eagles homered twice and scored four times in the top of the fourth inning.
 
• Sophomore pinch runner Rylie Forcier (Woonsocket, R.I.) scored on a throwing error for the Anchorwomen's first run in the home half of the fifth.
 
• Northwestern put the game out of reach with a five-run sixth inning.
 
• Sophomore first baseman Reilly Austin (Cumberland, R.I.) notched an RBI single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth, but RIC could not keep the inning going.
 
• Simmons singled in a run as part of a two-run seventh to end the game.
 
• Senior pitcher Abby Kidd (Granby, Conn.) had five strikeouts in five innings of work (0-1).
 
• Junior center fielder Sophia Crudale (Cranston, R.I.) and senior shortstop Amanda Conti (Lincoln, R.I) each went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will face Wentworth (11:15 a.m.).