BOX SCORES: Game 1, Game 2

GREELEY, Colo. -- The weather was near perfect, an instate-rival was in the opposing dugout and it was Senior Day for Northern Colorado's trio of Nancy Hilbers, Katelyn Landorf and Hillarie Van Otterloo.

Yes, the stage was set for a wonderful night of softball Tuesday at Butler-Hancock Softball Field.

Somebody must have forgot to tell Colorado State, though. The Rams used some solid pitching and some timely hitting to earn 3-0 and 10-4 wins against the Bears (18-32) in their 2009 season-ending doubleheader.

It wasn't how they wanted to go out, but for Hilbers, Landorf and Van Otterloo (who retired their cleats at home plate following the game-two loss, Tuesday's doubleheader signified the end of a long run of softball. A long run that no doubt dates back to when each were just little girls, dreaming of playing college softball.

"I really tried to treat today as just another game," said Landorf, who finished her collegiate career with a stinging single to left field in the seventh inning of game two. "And that worked for most of the day. It really didn't feel like it was my last game until the final out was made. Then it definitely hit home."

The day started with some tears and some hugs as all three, along with Northern Colorado's senior athletic-training students, were honored prior to the game.

After the group was allowed to compose itself, Van Otterloo took the circle and started game one in her final day in the Blue and Gold. She surrendered two runs to Colorado State (24-22) in the first inning -- her emotions no doubt were getting the best of her there -- before settling down and pitching one of the best games of her season.

Seven strikeouts. Eight hits. Three earned runs.

"Once we broke our pregame huddle, I just wanted to go out there and end with a bang," Van Otterloo said. "My mind was definitely racing in the first couple innings, but my defense played great behind me, and I was able to get out of some jams with some strikeouts.

"I'm just so proud to be part of this team, and I can't wait to see what they do next year and beyond. They've just got to believe in themselves and know that great things are possible."

And if game one Tuesday was a glimpse of Northern Colorado softball past, then game two was a glimpse of the Bears' future, with sophomore Keill Henderson getting the start in the circle and sophomore Jamie Juelfs coming on in relief.

Henderson scattered 11 Colorado State hits and six earned runs in her six-and-two-thirds innings in the circle, while Juelfs pitched just a third.

Offensively, after getting just single hits from Melisa Ryba, Jessica McNabb and Erin Geddis in game one, the Bears rapped out 11 hits in game two, highlighted by Kailee Vessey's 3-4 performance and Henderson's 2-4 attack.

"I'm very proud of these girls," Northern Colorado coach Jen Schunke said. "Not only for what we accomplished this season (a school-record 18 Division I victories), but for what we've accomplished in my three years here -- and these seniors, especially Katelyn and Hillarie, are a big part of that.

"It's definitely emotional coaching your last game of the season and your last game with some of your players. It's not going to be the same around here without 'Rie and Kate and Nancy. I'm definitely going to miss them, and I know our players are, too."

OF NOTE: Van Otterloo ends her career as Northern Colorado's all-time leader in a number of career pitching categories, including most appearances, most games started, most games finished, most innings pitched, most strikeouts and most strikeouts looking. In all, she finishes her Bears career in the top 10 in 27 different Northern Colorado statistical categories.