Cardinals sweep Big Bend

| March 19, 2012 9:00 PM

COEUR d'ALENE - Nicole Atkinson hit a two-run home run in each game and struck out three in relief to get the save in the second to lead the North Idaho College Cardinals to a sweep of Big Bend Community College on Sunday at Memorial Field.

Atkinson finished the day with eight RBIs.

Jenifer Rosie struck out 12 and pitched all five innings to win her fourth game of the year for the Cardinals.

Shelby Carter, who went 5 for 7 at the plate with four RBIS on the day, doubled in two runs and Ashley Moon had an RBI double in the five-run fifth for NIC. Carter also doubled in a run and Atkinson added another RBI in the fifth for NIC.

In the second game, former Coeur d'Alene High standout Jessica Lupinacci had an RBI single in the 3-run first inning and Atkinson hit a three-run homer in the fourth after coming in to relieve starter Danielle Hockett, who notched her third win on the season.

The doubleheader was the first held at Memorial Field this season, due to inclement weather and soggy conditions.

Kara Wise doubled in a run and Brianna Bishop picked up an RBI on a groundout for the Cardinals (14-21), who travel to Salt Lake City for Scenic West Athletic Conference games on Friday and Saturday against the Salt Lake Community College Bruins.

GAME 1

Big Bend 101 00 - 2 4 0

North Idaho 005 23 - 10 10 1

Santel McCasland, Kelsie Salverda (4) and Jessa Ouellette; Jenifer Rosie and Shelby Carter. W - Rosie (4-5). L - McCashland.

HITS: BB - Downey 3, Gentry. NIC - Wise, B. Bishop, Carter 2, Atkinson 2, Moon, Ayres 2, H. Bishop. 2B - Carter, Moon, H. Bishop. HR - Atkinson.

GAME 2

Big Bend 010 00 - 1 4 0

North Idaho 300 33 - 9 14 0

Layna Downey and Jessa Ouellette; Daniella Hockett, Nicole Atkinson (4) and Shelby Carter. W - Hockett (3-2). L - Downey.

HITS: BB - Downey, Gentry, Wright 2. NIC - Wise, B. Bishop 2, Carter 3, Atkinson 2, Moon 2, Lupinacci, Schmerer 2, H. Bishop. 2B - K. Wise. HR - Atkinson 2, Gentry.