Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Southwest Minnesota State softball team suffered a pair of losses to Northern State on Friday afternoon in Northern Sun Intercollegaite Conference softball.  In game one, the Mustangs took a one-run lead in the top of the seventh, but a late run by the Wolves stole the win by a 6-5 decision. In game two, NSU picked up the sweep with an 8-4 victory.
 
Alex O'Connor started in the circle for the Mustangs and threw 2 1/3 innings before being relieved by Athena Golling who finished the 4/1/3 innings. The pair combined for nine hits, six runs (all earned), four strikeouts and five walks.
 
SMSU collected eight hits in the game, led by Jazmyne Neely and Sam Flack who recorded two apiece. Taylor Koloc added to the offense with a home run—fifth of her career.
 
Northern State started the game in full control, jumping out to a 4-0 lead after three innings. SMSU finally got on the board in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to trail by one with three outs left.
 
In the seventh, Koloc tied the game with a lead off homer to right center before Macenzie Clouse doubled to right center to score a run and give the Mustangs a run-one lead.
 
The Wolves would not go down that easy, as they responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to steal a 6-5 victory.
 
In game two, Shelby Crank started as number one and hurled 4 2/3 innings, before Alex O'Connor closed the game. The two combined for 10 runs (eight earned), five walks and three strikeouts.
 
SMSU tallied eight hits, led by Taylor Koloc who finished 3 for 3 from the dish, including two RBIs and a home run.
 
NSU continued to control the offense as it scored four runs in the first inning to grab the early lead. SMSU cut into the deficit in the second with a pair of runs, but still trailed 4-2.
 
The Wolves pushed their lead in the fourth and fifth innings as they lead 8-2 with six out left. The Mustangs scored a run in the sixth off of Koloc's homer, but could not get any closer and fell 8-4.
 
Southwest Minnesota State will continue NSIC action on the road as it heads to Concordia-St. Paul next Tuesday for a doubleheader at 2 p.m.