Mankato, Minn. – The Northern State University softball team dropped a pair of conferences matches to the No. 11 Minnesota State Mavericks, falling 4-0 in game one and 7-1 in game two. With the losses, the Wolves are now 25-20-1 overall and 10-11-1 in the NSIC, while the Mavericks improve to 42-6 overall and 20-2 in conference action.
Game One
Both teams remained scoreless through the first four innings of play, until Minnesota State connected for three hits and two walks to cross the first two runs of the contest, giving the Mavericks the 2-0 advantage.
Minnesota State extended their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth. Senior pitcher Coley Ries sealed the victory for the Mavericks in the final innings by striking out five of the last six NSU batters.
Ries improved to 22-2 on the season, tossing her first career perfect game with 15 strikeouts in seven complete innings pitched. For the Wolves,
Rachel Albright (4-2) allowed just six hits with one strikeout in six innings of work from the mound.
Game Two
Minnesota State was first to rally for runs once again in the second game, earning a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the third off a double and three-straight singles.
The Wolves responded in the top of the fourth with a lead-off double to right field off the bat of
Shayla Steinley.
Jenna Helgeson followed with a double of her own, placing two runners in scoring position. With two outs,
Jamie Fisher was hit by a pitch to load the bases for
Rachel Albright. Albright drew a walk on a seven-pitch at bat to give NSU their first run of the day.
The Mavericks added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth as Cori Kennedy doubled to right field with three runners on, clearing the bases for three RBIs. With the three additional runs, MSU would clinch the 7-1 win and the sweep.
Offensively, Northern State went five for 25 from the plate with two doubles.
Shayla Steinley led the team going 2-for-3 from the plate, followed by
Katelynn Dilts,
Jenna Helgeson and
Kennady Thompson with one each.
Jamie Fisher was handed the loss, falling to 10-8 overall on the year. Fisher allowed four hits and four earned runs in 2.1 innings pitched. In relief,
Missy Elkins allowed four hits and three runs in 3.2 innings of work.
The Wolves will continue action on the road tomorrow, facing Concordia- St. Paul at 12 and 2 p.m.
