Box Score

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Northern State University softball squad closed out their 2009 Husky Dome Invite experience Sunday morning with a tight 4-2 loss to Division I University of South Dakota.  The Wolves, playing their first games of the season this weekend, slipped to 1-4 on the year with the loss.

NSU gave up two quick runs in the first inning before senior ace Breanna Milnes and the Wolves settled in, working around scoring threats in the second and fourth innings to keep the Coyotes close.  After giving up a third run in the top of the fifth, the Wolves put themselves on the board in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the lead to 3-2.

The Wolves loaded the bases with one out to start the inning before second baseman Lindsey Cegla grounded into a fielder's choice.  Still with the bases loaded, but with two outs, the Wolves got a clutch RBI single through the middle from Brittany Huback to climb right back into contention.

The Coyotes, however, added an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning while staving off the Wolves in their final two at bats to preserve the win.

Milnes went the distance on the mound for the Wolves, giving up just two earned runs and striking out two.

NSU now heads for warmer temperatures as the Wolves are slated to take part in the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.  The Wolves will face off against Ferris State next Sunday at 8 a.m. in the first of their ten RSG contests.