Box Score Rochester, MN—Squaring off for the fourth time this season the University of Mary knew what to expect from St. Cloud State, but were unable to capitalize as they fell 2-1 to open the Northern Sun Tournament.
 
NSIC Newcomer of the Year Cherlyn Trujillo continued her successful season going seven strong and striking out eight. The Lefty allowed just two earned runs as she recorded her 24th complete game of the season.
 
The Huskies' (28-24, 12-12 NSIC) Kelly Franks was equally impressive pitching a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts. Franks allowed just four hits all day, but surrendered seven walks.
 
Kimberly McKnight was 0-for-0 on the day but drew two walks including one with bases loaded in the sixth to score U-Mary's only run of the day.
 
SCSU's Taylor Thomas was the star of the day blasting a two-run home run to left centerfield in the top of the fifth inning that proved to be the difference in the game.
 
The Marauders got their first hit of the day in the second inning as Demaree Rodriguez singled up the middle. After a McKnight sacrifice, U-Mary struck out and grounded out to squander the scoring opportunity.
 
Trujillo was near flawless through four innings not allowing a single hit. Nicole Steinle broke up Trujillo's no-hit bid with a slow hit ground ball to second base for an infield single Thomas followed with two run shot to give the Huskies a 2-0 lead.
 
Allison Brown got the Marauders second hit of the day in the bottom of the sixth with an infield single that advance Erin Keen, who reached on an error, to second base with nobody out. Cleanup batter Brittney Hadley followed with a sharply hit ball through the right side to load the bases. After a fielder's choice, McKnight's walk finally put U-Mary on the board with one out in the sixth. Unfortunately the Marauders left the bases loaded as they trailed 2-1 headed to the seventh.
 
After a leadoff single, U-Mary recorded three straight outs to enter the final half inning with a one run deficit.
 
Senior Jessica Alvarado notched her first hit of the day with one out in the bottom of the inning. Two batters later Brown drew a walk to give the Marauders runners at first and second. Hadley poked on into shallow left that looked like it may drop, but the shortstop made the play to end the game and hand U-Mary an opening round loss.
 
The Marauders (24-18, 13-11 NSIC) will be back in action at approximately 4 p.m. as they take on the winner of Augustana and Winona State. U-Mary must win-out in order to have a chance at the tournament crown.
 
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