MINOT, ND - A one-run rivalry game kicked off the NSIC portion of the schedule for UMary Softball on Wednesday. Despite competitive play in the box and the circle, the Marauders fell to Minot State 3-2 in seven innings, and later 8-0 in five. 

GAME ONE
Multiple clutch efforts in the batter's box and pitching circle gave UMary (5-16, 0-2 NSIC) a nice showing in a 3-2 loss to Minot State (15-9, 2-0 NSIC). 

Janelle Bergmann ripped an RBI single on a line to center to score Mckenzie Reinhardt in the 3rd inning, giving the Marauders the first lead of the game. 

With the Beavers taking their first lead to answer in the bottom of the 3rd, Erin Murphy knotted the game 2-2 after a sacrifice fly was caught on a dive that scored Devyn Ritz. 

An RBI groundout by Gabi Dawyduk put Minot back out in front 3-2 and a modest one-run lead which they clung to for the rest of the game. Nicole Eckhardt put forth a tough start but was charged with the loss. Emari Evans was strong in relief as she allowed no runs to her credit through three innings. 

The Marauders also played strong defensively, committing no errors and making several nice plays in the field, including a diving catch by Brooke De Jonge in left field. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Madison Wszolek | 2-2, BB
Erin Murphy | 1-2, RBI
Janelle Bergmann | 1-4, RBI
Brooke McClure | 1-3, 2B
Emari Evans | 3.0 IP, 0 ER

GAME TWO
Despite only collecting four base hits, Minot State found ways on base and across the plate to put away the Marauders early in an 8-0 five-inning contest. The Beavers were able to capitalize on the base paths thanks to five walks, a hit batter, and two Marauder errors. 

Kierra Fournier was lights out in victory as the freshman right-hander hurled her first shutout on the season. Hannah Chambers was tagged with the loss, giving up three earned runs through the first two frames. 

Kaylee Kannegiesser gave the Marauders their first hit of the game on a nice drive to the left-center gap, and later Janelle Bergmann on a screamer back up the middle for their lone two hits. 

UP NEXT
UMary Softball will return to the MSU Air-Supported this weekend for a pair of NSIC series on April 1-2. The Marauders will play St. Cloud State University (16-11, 1-1 NSIC) Saturday in a doubleheader slated for 5 pm and 7 pm, and then Minnesota Duluth (15-6, 1-1 NSIC) Sunday in another doubleheader scheduled for 2 pm and 4 pm. 

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