SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The Southwest Minnesota State University softball team closed its weekend at 2024 Mustang Invitational by dropping both games of a doubleheader to Truman State (Mo.), 5-3 and 5-4, on Monday inside the ASB Sports Complex, in Sioux Center, Iowa. 

SMSU drops to 2-5 overall, while TSU moves to 4-5 overall on the season.

Game One (5-3, TSU)

Karlie Miller (2-2) was dealt the loss in game one, surrendering 11 hits and five runs (all earned) while striking out three and walking two in a complete game. The Bulldogs' Madie Anderson (3-2) earned the victory in game one, giving up seven hits and two runs (both earned) while striking out four. 

SMSU totaled nine hits between seven batters. Brynn Webber and Jillian Noel led the charge with both batters going 2 for 4 at the dish. Abby Boxrud earned two RBIs in the affair.

The Mustangs left one on base in the first frame before TSU put one on the board in the bottom half of the first inning off a double from Cameryn Patterson to give the Bulldogs the early lead.

SMSU was retired in order in the second inning and the Bulldogs capitalized, tacking on another run.

The Mustangs scored its first pair of runs in the fourth inning. Brynn Webber started the inning with a single to center field. Noel advanced the runner on a single, and Molly Bull earned a walk the following at bat. Abby Boxrud scorched a ball to center field to score the runners from second and third, tying the game 2-2. 

Truman State countered quickly by driving in two more runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning, and one more run in the fifth inning. 

SMSU scored its third run in the top of the sixth inning, but the comeback stalled there. 

Game Two (5-4, TSU)

Truman State took advantage of six walks in game two.

Jordan Bussey (0-1) was tabbed with the loss in game two, allowing three runs (all earned) on six walks. Kaylyn Jones (1-1) snagged the win, allowing four hits and three runs (no earned) on four hits while striking out two.

Jillian Noel went 2 for 3 at the plate for the Mustangs. Noel drove in two runs and earned an RBI in the loss.
TSU scored five unanswered runs through the top of the fourth inning. Using back-to-back home runs in the fourth to sustain momentum through the final inning. 

With a runner on first in the top of the fourth, Jillian Noel pushed a ball to left field that was bobbled by the left fielder and advanced to second, scoring Russell from first. Grace Anderson gapped a line drive in right-center for a double, scoring Noel and cutting the deficit to 5-2. SMSU scored its third run of the inning off a wild throw to first base off a sacrifice bunt from Paris Van Dyke.

In the fifth inning with two outs and a runner in scoring position, Abby Russell walked to put two on base. Noel doubled down the left field line and scored the runner from second to cut the deficit to one. 

The effort again proved to be too little, as TSU walked away with the victory.

UP NEXT

SMSU returns to action at THE Spring Games on its trip to Florida, when the Mustangs play 16 games from March 3-14.