Steve Walton had three hits and three RBI as the Norse defeated Saginaw Valley State 8-2 in an elimination game at the NCAA Division II North Central Region Tournament.

        Shaun Erie added three hits and scored three runs for NKU, which improved to 37-23 and advanced to today's noon championship round against top-seeded host Ashland.

        In the first game Friday, NKU staved off elimination with a 7-2 victory over Grand Valley State.

        NKU must beat Ashland twice today to win the regional and advance to the NCAA Division II World Series. If NKU defeats Ashland at noon, the two teams will play again at 3 p.m. for the regional title.

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