OMAHA, Neb. - The North Dakota State softball team dropped the series finale with the University of Nebraska at Omaha 1-0 on Sunday at Connie Claussen Field.
 
The Mavericks (14-11, 3-3 Summit League) took the lead in the bottom of the first with a single run that proved to be the only run in a battle of pitching aces. After the Bison (20-17, 2-4 Summit League) stranded a runner in the top of the first, Omaha would capitalize on an error to score a run in the bottom half to take the lead.
 
Bison pitcher Paige Vargas (10-8) would allow two hits the rest of the way as she was dealt the loss after allowing one unearned run on three total hits and three walks with six strikeouts.
 
The Bison responded in the top of the second by getting a pair of base runners on with two walks, but a fielder's choice ground out and a strikeout ended the threat. NDSU would get a base runner on in all but the fourth inning, including a double in the fifth and a single and walk in the seventh.
 
However, the Bison were unable to get a runner past second, stranding eight on base to six from Omaha. NDSU also out hit the hosts 4-3 and worked four walks to just three given up.
 
Emilee Buringa and Reanna Rudd were the only Bison to reach base multiple times. Buringa had a hit and a walk, while Rudd worked a pair of walks.
 
The Bison will return to action next Saturday, as NDSU opens up the home schedule against Kansas City to begin a three-game series on April 9. First pitch in the doubleheader is slated for noon at Tharaldson Park.