MANKATO, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State softball team (8-15) finished out the non-conference schedule with 15-2 and 4-2 losses at the hands of No. 16-ranked Minnesota State (18-6) in the MSU Dome on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Mavericks would lead 6-2 into the fourth inning of game one, but a nine-run inning would jolt MSU out front 15-2, leading to a five-inning game. 
 
MSU would outhit SMSU 12-4, with Makenna Waldow going 2 for 2 with an RBI and run scored to lead the offense for the Mustangs. 
 
Allison Christians (1-1) would be dealt the loss in game one, surrendering 15 runs (14 earned) on 12 hits, walking eight and striking out four.
 
The Mavericks would strike first in game two, getting runners on first and third in the second before the runner on first got in a run down, allowing time for the runner on third to score. MSU would tack on another run in the fourth with a lead-off double followed by a single to go up 2-0. 
 
A two-out rally in the fifth inning would break the shutout and provide life for the Mustangs. After the first two batters were retired, Paige Shwaluk would give SMSU a baserunner with a base hit up the middle. Abby Russell would follow it up with a double, and Emily Tatur would drive them both in with a single to left field to tie the game at 2-2. 
 
The Mavericks would reclaim the lead in the bottom of the inning with a two-out double to take a 3-2 lead. 
 
SMSU would threaten in the sixth with a leadoff single, but would leave the runner at third base, and would go down in order in the seventh to close the game. 
 
Morgyn Otte (0-2) would receive the loss, going six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out five. 
 
The Mustangs and Mavericks would each collect eight hits as Tatur and Bailey Johnson would each go 2 for 3 to lead the offense. 
 
SMSU opens the conference slate on Tuesday, Mar. 29, welcoming Sioux Falls to Mustang Field for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.