University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Northwestern
Players Mentioned
Gophers Close Regular Season with Series at Northwestern
4/30/2026 9:59:00 AM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS – The Gophers look to close out regular season play with a three-game series visiting the Northwestern Wildcats. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT on Friday, followed by 7:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, and closing with a 5:00 p.m. start on Sunday. All games will be streamed on B1G+.
GAME ONE
Minnesota (15-33, 6-15 B1G) vs. Northwestern (27-19, 14-7 B1G)
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: Rosemont, IL
Stream: B1G+
GAME TWO
Minnesota (15-33, 6-15 B1G) vs. Northwestern (27-19, 14-7 B1G)
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
Location: Rosemont, IL
Stream: B1G+
GAME THREE
Minnesota (15-33, 6-15 B1G) vs. Northwestern (27-19, 14-7 B1G)
Date: Sunday, May 3
Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: Rosemont, IL
Stream: B1G+
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Northwestern enters the weekend with a 27-19 overall record and a 14-7 mark in B1G play. The Wildcats are top 10 in the conference in multiple offensive categories. As a team, they are batting .302 with 367 hits, 73 doubles, 55 home runs, while driving in 270 runs. Emma Raye leads the offense with a .391 average and a team-best 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. Kaylie Avvisato (.359) and Bridget Donahey (.336) have provided additional support in the lineup. Raye (13), Donahey (12), and Kansas Robinson (10) provide the power in the lineup, each blasting double-digit home runs. In the circle, Northwestern ranks 6th in the Big Ten, owning a team ERA of 3.89 with 240 strikeouts across 287.4 innings of work. Marina Mason paces the staff with a 16-8 record, 2.29 ERA with 146 strikeouts in 131 innings. The Wildcats have a team fielding percentage of .947.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Minnesota holds a 61-59 record over Northwestern. The two teams faced off in a three-game series at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium during the 2025 season, with Minnesota dropping all three games.
THE BALLPARK AT ROSEMONT
Northwestern will host the series at The Ballpark at Rosemont, widely regarded as Chicagoland's home for professional softball. The premier venue has a rich history, previously hosting four National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) World Championships, IHSA Girls Softball Super Sectionals, and the Big East Tournament. It also serves as a current home for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), including hosting Opening Day of the league's inaugural 2025 season.
LAST TIME OUT
The Gophers enter the weekend after being swept in a three-game series by the Wisconsin Badgers. Minnesota hit .212 with 22 hits and scored 7 runs across the series. Brooklyn Jones led the team, posting a .364 average with 4 hits. Tara Wolocko (.333) and Maggie Werner (.250) each drove in 2 runs. Sydney Schwartz started all three games, striking out 14 over 11 innings of work. Macy Richardson added 9 innings, posting a 2.17 ERA with 7 strikeouts, while Natalie Susa contributed in relief, striking out 5 across 7 innings.
GOPHER SEASON LEADERS
Maggie Werner leads Minnesota with a .325 batting average, adding five home runs and 18 RBI. Tara Wolocko has provided power with a team-best six home runs and 25 RBI, while Scarlett Kuhn (.267) and Jessa Snippes (.252) have each tallied 32 hits this season. In the circle, Sydney Schwartz leads the staff with a 10-16 record, a 3.59 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 136 innings. Macy Richardson has added 80 strikeouts, while Natalie Susa has logged 52 innings of work.
B1G STANDINGS
Nebraska leads the Big Ten with a 20-1 conference record, followed by UCLA at 19-2 and Oregon at 18-3. Washington (15-6) and Indiana (14-7) round out the top five. Northwestern (14-7) sits at 6th, while Minnesota enters the weekend at 6-15 in conference play, tied with Iowa and just ahead of Rutgers, Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan State.
A TRADITION OF GOPHER SOFTBALL
The 2026 season marks the 52nd year of Minnesota softball. Piper Ritter is in her sixth season as head coach and 19th overall with the program. Bailey Oetting (fourth season) and Roya St. Clair (second season) return as assistant coaches, while Stephanie Lombardo joins the staff after serving as a development coach with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates).