RIVERSIDE, Calif. – North Dakota State fell in the rubber match of the series with California Baptist on Saturday, falling 2-1 in 10 innings at John C. Funk Stadium.
 
Both losses for the Bison in the series came in 2-1 extra-inning losses, falling in nine innings in game one on Friday.
 
After a scoreless first and NDSU stranding two runners on in the top of the second, California Baptist took the lead in the bottom half of second inning with a solo home run.
 
The Bison would answer back in the fourth inning after Bella Dean led off the inning with a double. Following a single by Mya Boos to put runners on the corners, Zoe King grounded into a fielder's choice, as Dean beat the throw home to tie the game.
 
Piper Reed tossed 5.2 innings, allowing just the one run before the Lancers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. She finished with six hits allowed and one strikeout. Madison Wihlm entered the game and recorded a strikeout to get out of the jam and head to the seventh tied.
 
For the second time in the series, the game would enter extra innings tied 1-1. Both offenses would be held scoreless into the 10^th inning, when Cal Baptist put the first two batters on with a walk and a bunt single. Cal Baptist then capitalized on a fielding error to allow the winning run to cross from second.
 
Lileigh Nieto led the Bison with three hits in the game. Star Cortez also had multiple hits, finishing with two. Wihlm picked up the tough luck loss, allowing one unearned run, tossing 3.1 innings with three strikeouts.
 
North Dakota State will now set its sights on Summit League play, as the Bison travel to Nebraska to take on the defending Summit League tournament champions Omaha in the opening series of the league season. The series is set to get underway on Friday, March 20 with a 2 p.m. first pitch at Connie Claussen Field.