MILWAUKEE -- Much like the rest of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, Alverno College was unable to take down Aurora University and lost 3-0 Friday afternoon at Alverno Field.

The visiting Spartans (28-5, 19-0 NACC) remained undefeated in conference play and clinched the NACC title outright for the third-straight season despite a valiant effort from the Inferno (20-17, 9-10).

Right-hander Erin Dulek (9-11) added to her league-leading strikeout count, now at 125, as she struck out six Spartan batters. The senior pitcher allowed a run in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings on just four hits in her 11th complete game of the season.

The four hits were the fewest Aurora has hit for in conference play, while the three runs tied for the fewest scored against NACC opponents. The Spartans have the top batting and scoring averages in the league.

Auroras' Vanessa Hartzell (14-4) allowed just one Inferno hit and walked a pair as she picked up the complete-game victory.

Ashlie Rossi had the Inferno's lone hit in the bottom of the fourth, while Alexis Botsford and Sam Kasprzak each reached base safely by a walk.

Game two of the doubleheader was suspended due to rain, which caused the field to become unplayable. The Inferno had runners at first and second with no outs in the bottom of the fifth, but trailed 13-0. Per NCAA rule, five innings of play must be completed for the game to become official.

When the game will be resumed will be announced on athletics.alverno.edu once the decision has been made.

Alverno, still in the running for the final spot in the NACC Tournament, will host Benedictine University tomorrow at Alverno Field. The Inferno will likely need a sweep to keep its tournament hopes alive.