BROOKINGS, S.D. – North Dakota State softball fell to South Dakota State in the series opener on Sunday, falling on a wind-blown day at Jackrabbit Softball Stadium, 4-0.
 
The Bison had the early chances, getting runners on in every inning, including two runners on in the second and third inning. However, the Bison were unable to capitalize on the windy conditions that led to a scoring opportunity to take the lead in the third and stranded nine baserunners in the game.
 
After the Bison stranded their sixth runner in the fourth inning, SDSU would take the lead in the bottom half with a two-out single to score a run from second. South Dakota State would then capitalize on an error and a pair of bases loaded walks to tack on three more runs in the fifth inning.
 
Paige Vargas was dominant early, recording six strikeouts before the first run of the game. She finished with a season-high nine strikeouts in the loss, allowing four runs, three earned, in six innings.
 
Emilee Buringa finished with a hit and a walk. Bella Dean and Carley Goetschius had the other Bison hits. Ava Chavarria did not have an official at bat, but reached on walks in all three of her plate appearances. Anjolee Aguilar-Beaucage also extended her reached base streak to 13 games with a walk.
 
It's the third consecutive series opener that the Bison have dropped in Summit League play. NDSU has won the previous two series with doubleheader sweeps on day two.
 
North Dakota State and South Dakota State will conclude the series on Monday, with a doubleheader set to begin at 11 a.m. in Brookings.