MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead softball opened NSIC competition at home on Friday afternoon. The Dragons dropped a pair to visiting Southwest Minnesota State. 

Game One

The teams would go hitless across the first inning before Southwest Minnesota State earned the game's first hit in the second frame. Moorhead would respond with their first hit off the bat of Riley McKeever, which pushed Lacey Camden into scoring position. However, MSUM would be kept off the board despite the threat. The Dragons would threaten again in the bottom of the third, getting runners to first and third after hits from Sami Macchiaroli and Courtney Locke. While Locke would steal second to put two runners in scoring position, MSUM would come up empty-handed once again. The Mustangs scored the contest's first run in the fourth inning after a double steal attempt was executed. 

After the Dragons were held without a run in the home half, SMSU would break the game open in the fifth frame, scoring five runs on four hits. Leading 6-0, Southwest Minnesota State would hold the Dragons hitless in the bottom half. In the top of the seventh inning, the Mustangs would extend their lead to seven runs on a solo home run. Moorhead would not go away quietly in the final half inning as McKeever and Morgan Kingsbury would collect one-out hits. The Dragons would later load the bases after Lisa Garcia earned a walk. In the ensuing at-bat, Macchiaroli would come through for MSUM, doubling to left field to clear the bags. However, the Mustangs would quickly get the needed two outs to secure a 7-3 victory. 

Game Two

Moorhead starter Bella Hess would hold the Mustangs without a hit across the first two innings while the Dragons racked up hits from Locke and McKeever. However, both starting pitchers would do a strong job of keeping runs from scoring as the game remained scoreless after four frames. Southwest Minnesota State would snap the scoreless streak with two runs on two hits in the top of the fifth inning. In the home half, Moorhead would threaten as Kingsbury and Macchiaroli grabbed hits with both runners moving into scoring position with one out. Once again, the Mustangs used timely pitching to secure two quick outs and end the frame unscathed. 

The Mustangs would use that momentum to plate an additional four runs on two hits to take a six run lead. MSUM would get a run back in the home half after Kayla Roidt began the inning with a double. McKeever would drive in the run following a Mustang error. Kingsbury would secure a leadoff double in the final half inning, but would not move from second base as the Mustangs won, 6-1. 

Up Next

MSUM (2-23, 0-2 NSIC) returns to Nemzek Stadium tomorrow afternoon for a doubleheader against Sioux Falls. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.