DURHAM, N.C. – The North Dakota State softball team fell to No. 10 Duke Wednesday night in non-conference action, falling to the Blue Devils 18-0 at Duke Softball Stadium.
The Blue Devils (4-1), whose only loss this season has come to No. 1 Oklahoma, would jump out in front with an 11-run first inning that included a pair of grand slams. Duke would add a three-run home run in the second inning and then hit a third grand slam in the game in the third inning.
Bella Dean recorded the first hit of the game in the top of the first and
Reanna Rudd also recorded a hit for the Bison (3-4) in the fourth inning, the only two base runners for NDSU. With her hit in the fourth, Rudd extended he reached base streak to 14-straight games dating back to last season, the longest of her career.
In the circle,
Kaitlyn Dunford picked up the loss, falling to 1-1 on the season after allowing the first nine runs.
Addie Bowers recorded three strikeouts in two innings of relief.
Madison Wihlm recorded two strikeouts in one inning of work.
Piper Reed tossed the final inning, retiring the Blue Devils in order.
The Bison will return to action on Friday, traveling to Raleigh, N.C. for The Marucci Classic. NDSU will take on Elon at 8:30 a.m. CT on Friday morning, before playing host NC State at 1:30 p.m. CT to wrap day one.
