RIVERSIDE, Calif. – North Dakota State softball picked up a 6-2 victory over UC Riverside Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action at Amy S. Harrison Softball Field.
 
Star Cortez gave the Bison the lead in the top of the first inning, as she hit her first career home run to put NDSU up 1-0. The Bison would never trail, as Mya Boos added a two-run home run, her fourth of the season, in the third to extend the lead.
 
The Highlanders would add runs in the third and fourth to cut the deficit to one, but NDSU answered back with two runs in the sixth. Taylinn Warren started the scoring with an RBI single, and then scored on another RBI single from Bella Dean. NDSU would add a final run in the seventh, capitalizing on a UCR error.
 
Cortez led the Bison with three hits in the game, scoring two runs. She also finished with two stolen bases. Amai Hanta, who whit a pinch hit double to lead off the sixth inning, added another double in the seventh, going 2-for-2 in the game with two runs scored.
 
In the circle, Madison Wihlm picked up the win, allowing two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. Piper Reed picked up the save, tossing 3.1 innings without a hit, allowing just one walk with a strikeout.
 
North Dakota State will remain in Riverside and have a day off before returning to action on Friday with the first two games in a three-game series at California Baptist. The Bison are set to take on the Lancers at 6:30 p.m. CT with the second game to follow at John C. Funk Stadium.