LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The North Dakota State softball team fell to Utah Tech 9-5 Sunday morning in the Bison finale of the UNLV Red & Black Classic at Eller Media Stadium.
After three scoreless innings in a pitcher's duel, Utah Tech opened up the scoring with a pinch-hit two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth. Two innings later, the Bison would answer with three to take the lead.
Macy Fry started the scoring in the top of the sixth with a pinch-hit RBI double and then
Bella Dean later added a two-RBI single to put the Bison in front 3-2.
However, Utah Tech went back in front with another pinch-hit two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth. Utah Tech then capitalized on a pair of Bison errors to score a total of seven runs in the inning and go up 9-3.
The Bison would respond by loading the bases with three-straight singles to start the seventh inning. Fry and
Taylinn Warren would hit back-to-back sacrifice flies to make it 9-5 and cap the scoring in the game.
Lileigh Nieto was the only Bison with multiple hits in the game, going 2-for-3. Dean and Fry each finished with two RBI.
Madison Wihlm had five strikeouts and two runs allowed in 4.2 innings of a no decision.
Piper Reed picked up the loss in relief.
The Bison will return to action on Tuesday, as NDSU travels to Southern California and will take on Long Beach State. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. CT from Long Beach, California.
