NIAGARA, Wis. — Both teams threw their ace pitchers here on Tuesday afternoon as Norway prevailed 5-2 in a non-conference softball game.

Norway junior Kali Stanchina went the distance on the mound, allowing four hits, two runs, while fanning four and walking none.

Lady Badgers senior Noelle Champagne also went the distance, allowing six hits, five runs, although only one was earned. She fanned three and walked five.

“Our legs were tired tonight, because we expended a lot of energy Monday night. But to hold Norway to five runs, especially the way they have been playing is pretty darn good,” said Niagara head coach Brad Richtig. “We are so close to putting things together. We put the ball in play tonight but Norway’s coaching staff has those girls prepared and they didn’t make mistakes. It was a fun game to be a part of.”

Gabrielle Leiker and Averie Popp each had two hits for the Knights, with Popp cracking a double. Abby Wells had two hits for the Badgers and Champagne belted a 2 RBI double.

“This was a really good game. Our bats were kind of quiet tonight but credit to their pitcher for only allowing six hits, and Kali (Stanchina) only gave up four (hits) for us. Not gonna tear the cover off the ball every night,” said Norway head coach Bob Bal. “A couple bunts, two timely hits and a throwing error was the difference in this one.”

Niagara plays another non-conference game as they host Laona-Wabeno on Friday. The Knights will travel to Escanaba on Thursday. Bal reported the location shift of the game versus the Lady Eskymos on Tuesday night.

Norway 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 — 5/6/1

Niagara 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 — 2/4/2