MARSHALL, Minn. – MSU Moorhead softball fell to Southwest Minnesota State in an NSIC doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. 
 
Southwest Minnesota State won the first game in six innings, 8-0. The Mustangs completed the sweep with a 3-0 win in game two. 
 
Game One
 
Dragon starter Brynna Farman would see two quick outs to open the bottom half of the first inning. From there, Southwest Minnesota State would load the bases with two outs before Farman neutralized the threat to keep the game scoreless. MSUM would go hitless across the first two innings before Teagan Pranchke earned the first Dragon hit in the top of the third. 
 
While Farman would keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard through two innings, Southwest Minnesota State would get one run on three hits in the home half of the third. The contest could have gotten away from Farman, who stranded the bases loaded after recording back-to-back outs. Avery Steffen would get on base with a single in the top of the fourth, but MSUM would not score as SMSU led 1-0. 
 
Each team's pitcher would hold each offense in check across the fifth and sixth innings with the Mustangs still retaining a 1-0 lead. MSUM would threaten in the top of the sixth as Jessie Henry and Steffen singled with just one out. A Mustang error would put both runners in scoring position with one out. However, Mustang ace Karlie Miller earned a pair of groundouts to get out of the jam unscathed. 
 
Southwest Minnesota State would find offensive success in the home half, scoring seven runs on four hits. The Mustangs also worked out three walks and a hit by pitch in the frame to secure the 8-0 run rule victory. 
 
Game Two
 
Henry would leadoff the second game with a single, but MSUM would fall victim to a double play to close the inning. Isabel Rodriguez would not allow an earned run in the home half as the Mustangs capitalized on a Dragon error. Southwest Minnesota State would lead 1-0 after an inning of play. Rodriguez would surrender three hits in the second inning but would strand the bases loaded after a crucial groundout.
 
It was not until the fourth inning where the Dragons would see another hit as Steffen picked up a one-out single. Steffen would get into scoring position with two outs but would be stranded there. Rodriguez continued to turn in a strong effort, eventually pitching four innings with no earned runs allowed. After the Mustangs held MSUM hitless again in the fifth, SMSU plated two runs on a Dragon error and wild pitch. 
 
MSUM would have one final shot in the seventh inning as the Mustangs remained in front by three runs. While Eliya Johnson would earn a one-out single, the senior would not advance beyond second base. Southwest Minnesota State would earn the win, 3-0. 
 
Up Next
 
MSUM (14-33, 6-14 NSIC) will not play again until Friday, April 18 in a road doubleheader against St. Cloud State. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.