DECORAH, Iowa – Just hours after appearing at No. 23 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), the UW-Stevens Point softball team dropped a pair of games to the nation's second-ranked team, the Norse of Luther College. The Pointers fell 11-3 in game one and 3-2 in the nightcap. 

Scoreless through two and a half innings, the host Norse posted an eight run third inning after Pointers' starter Sara Babbitts (Green Bay, WI/Ashwaubenon) left with an injury. Luther tacked on two more runs in the fourth and another in the fifth as they earned the victory via the run rule. 

Babbitts suffered the loss, throwing 2 1/3 innings before giving way to Cassie Krum (Stratford/Stratford) and eventually Chelsea Hensler (Waterloo/Waterloo). 

The lone UWSP runs came off the bat of Katie Schulfer, whose three-run blast in the fourth inning was the only offense for the Pointers in game one. 

In game two the Pointers kept the high-powered Norse offense in check after allowing a lead-off home run and a two out run in the second. 

The Pointers tied the game in the top of the sixth inning when Elyse Nelson (Batavia, IL/Batavia) connected on a one-out pitch and sent it over the outfield fence for a two run home run. 

The Norse responded in the home half of the sixth, retaking the lead 3-2. 

In the seventh, the Pointers put their leadoff batter on but could advance her no farther than second base as Becca Girvan retired three straight batters to end UWSP's comeback attempt. 

The Pointers and Norse each tallied seven hits. Schulfer finished the game 3-for-3 with a double and was the only Pointer with more than one hit. Michelle Jones (Madison, WI/La Follette) took the loss, throwing six innings of seven hit ball, walking two and striking out five. 

No. 23 UW-Stevens Point (11-5) will now await the weather report for details on their next contest. The conference opener on Saturday, April 2 at UW-Stout has already been postponed due to unplayable field conditions in Menomonie. The Pointers home opener is still scheduled for Sunday, April 3. 

A determination will be made Thursday on that game so visit http://athletics.uwsp.edu for up-to-date information on schedules.