Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—Cold weather and poor field conditions slowed the University of Mary softball team (18-10, 3-1 NSIC) in game one of a doubleheader against University of Sioux Falls (15-5, 3-1 NSIC), but the Marauders bounced back with a win in game two. U-Mary had just one hit in game one as it fell 8-0 in five innings. Keyed by a strong pitching performance from Erin Keen, the Marauders rebounded with a 3-1 win in game two.
 
GAME 1
 
Delayed over two hours from the originally scheduled start time, U-Mary's offense was stagnant in game one as they opened the game with three consecutive strikeouts before eventually falling 8-0 in five innings.
 
After going down in order in the first, the Marauders dug themselves an early deficit surrendering four hits and a walk that led to two runs for the Cougars.
 
Amber Gamboa was the only U-Mary player to record a hit singling to left field in second inning. The Marauders only other base runner came in the same inning as Francine Villalobos drew a two-out walk.
 
After adding a run in the third, Sioux Falls exploded for five runs in the fourth on four hits and two walks to take a commanding 8-0 lead.
 
Needing to score in the top of the fifth to extend the game, the Marauders went down in order as they dropped game one 8-0.
 
GAME 2
 
U-Mary matched their hit total from game in one in the first inning of game two as an early lead, coupled with a strong outing from Keen led the Marauders to a 3-1 victory.
 
After a rough outing in game one, Keen was dialed in for game two as she went the distance, while striking out nine. Keen picked up her ninth win of the season.
 
Kristin Ormsby came to the plate with one-out in the first with Alana Norman on second base. A well placed bunt left Ormsby with an infield single and advanced Norman to third, but the Cougars third basemen misplayed the ball allowing Norman to score to give the Marauders a 1-0 lead.
 
U-Mary added another run in the third as Julissa Perales delivered an RBI single to score Norman from second base. Ahead 2-0, the Marauders added another run in the fourth as Demaree Rodriguez singled in Villalobos from second.
 
With Keen dealing, it took until the sixth inning for USF to finally get on the board. The Cougars took advantage of a two-out hit and a Marauders error to score an unearned run. Keen struck out three of the next five batters she faced to secure a 3-1 win for U-Mary.
 
Ormsby led the Marauders offense going 3-for-4. D. Rodriguez finished 2-for-3 with an RBI.
 
ON DECK

U-Mary will be back in action tomorrow as it takes on Southwest Minnesota State University at noon. Livestats will be available at goumary.com/coverage.