MINOT, N.D. – The young Minnesota State University Moorhead softball team dropped a pair of nonconference games on Saturday, losing to Minnesota Crookston, 10-1 and Providence (Mont.), 9-1 at the Minot State Dome Tournament.

MSUM, which was playing without starting shortstop Taylor Roddie (injury), is 0-2 on the season. The Dragons have two seniors and one junior on the roster this season.

In the opener, freshman Elizabeth Johnson was 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Senior outfielder Aunica Novacek and sophomore outfielder Madison Paige were each 1-for-3 while junior infielder Lexie Kennedy was 1-for-3 with a double. Senior catcher Megan Asham scored a run.

Sophomore pitcher Tori White took the loss, giving up five earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. She struck out four. Sophomore Payton Gaber pitched in relief and gave up five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.

In the second game against Providence, freshman first baseman Ashley McCance homered to account for the only Dragon hit and run.

Freshman Becky Berth made her collegiate debut and gave up nine runs, six earned, in 4 2/3 innings. She walked four and struck out four.

MSUM faces Minot State at noon on Sunday and Providence at 2 p.m. on Sunday to wrap the weekend.