NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The North Dakota State softball team bounced back from a 2-0 loss to Murray State with three home runs in a 5-1 victory over tournament host Lipscomb on Saturday, March 2, at the Purple/Gold Challenge.
 
Bella Dean led off the fourth inning with her third home run of the weekend, Zoe King led off the fifth with her first collegiate homer, and Ella Claus blasted a three-run shot in the sixth to break open a 2-1 game.
 
Savy Williams held Lipscomb hitless over the final 2 1/3 scoreless innings to get the win in relief.
 
NDSU starter Kaitlyn Dunford worked 2 1/3 innings before giving way to Piper Reed, who entered with the bases loaded and got a force out at home and a fly ball to keep the game scoreless after three innings.
 
North Dakota State couldn't get anything going in the morning against Murray State's Jenna Veber, who no-hit the Bison with one walk and three strikeouts in seven innings of work. Addie Bowers fanned six batters in six innings but took the loss for the Bison.
 
North Dakota State (9-12) closes out tournament play at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3, against Georgetown.