Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

MARSHALL, Minn. -- The Minnesota State University Moorhead softball team wrapped up its 2013 season with a pair of losses to Southwest Minnesota State on Sunday. The Dragons lost the first game, 1-0, in eight innings and dropped the second 6-1.

The young Dragons finished the year 7-36 overall and 5-23 in the NSIC, while SMSU finished 19-21 overall and 12-16 in the NSIC.

The lineup in the first game symbolized MSUM's youth this season, as only one senior (Amanda Moore at first base) started. Six sophomores and three freshmen started in that game, including freshman pitcher Morgan Nybo.

"We relied heavily on underclassmen this year and they showed us some good things," MSUM head coach Kelsey Fehl said. "With our young team, there were some growing pains and inconsistency as well. We were in position to win some more games where we were one hit or one play away and just weren't able to finish those games. If we continue to work hard to improve in all areas and build on the good things we are doing, those type of games will start to turn into wins for us in the future."

Nybo was strong  on the mound in the opening game, going seven innings, allowing one run (none earned). She allowed five hits, striking out four while walking two.

Sophomore Brittany York was 2-for-4, while freshman Kristy Bruni was 1-for-3 with a double.

Sophomores Mollie Annen, Moriah Bruns and Taylor Huss and freshman Kristen Nordby had hits for MSUM, which outhit the Mustangs 7-5 in the game.

The difference in the game was an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth as the Mustangs scored the gamewinner on a throwing error off of a bunt.

The Dragons didn't lack for opportunity in the game, leaving seven runners on base, including two each in the first and seventh innings.  But once again they were one hit short as they were not able to plate a run in the game.

In the second game, the usually reliable Dragon defense struggled in the first inning, committing four errors, which led to five unearned runs for SMSU. The result of the tough first inning was a 6-0 deficit for MSUM.

The Dragons finally got on the board in the seventh. With one out senior Amanda Moore singled, and moved to second on a passed ball. Huss delivered a single to right center, allowing Moore to score the Dragons' lone run of the game.

Huss finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, while sophomore Rachel Sannicandro was 1-for-2. Moore and Bruns each were 1-for-3.

Senior Brandi Howell, pitching in her final game as a Dragon, had a solid outing. She allowed six runs, but only one run was earned. She struck out two and walked two.

It was the final games as a Dragon for Moore and Howell. Moore leaves MSUM as the school's all-time record holder in home runs.

"They have both been great to have in the program for four years and we're going to miss them," Fehl said.