HAYWARD, Calif.--North Dakota State lost to Sacramento State 5-1 and defeated Providence College 7-2 at the Santa Clara University Bronco Stampede played Saturday, March 1, at the Alden E. Oliver Sports Complex. The Bison are 3-1 in tournament play.

North Dakota State (13-4) concludes tournament play against Youngstown State University at noon Sunday, March 2.

Sacramento State (9-5) scored five runs in the first inning and made it stand in the opening game. Pitcher Kayla Meeks had a two-run single to highlight the frame for the Hornets. Meeks went the distance on the mound to improve to 4-3.

NDSU averted the shutout in the sixth inning when Melissa Chmielewski knocked in Nicole Rivera with a base hit. Chmielewski collected to a pair of singles for the Bison.

Allison Bakke (9-4) and Bekki Rasmussen pitched for North Dakota State with Bakke picking up the loss. Rasmussen allowed only one hit, walked one and struck out three in five innings of relief.

The Bison used a four-run fourth ining sparked by Aimee Enzler's two-run single to defeat Providence College in the second game.

Richel Briones led North Dakota State with a pair of doubles and a RBI, while Laurel Pipkin added a double and single. Kelly Cantrell and Elisa Victa both added two singles and a RBI. 

Rasmussen (3-0) continued where she left off against Sacramento State. She went the seven-inning distance in recording her second win two tournament decisions at the tournament. Rasmussen allowed 10 hits, walked two and struck out three.