MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead softball battled the cold and wind in a Saturday evening doubleheader with visiting Sioux Falls. The Cougars took both games of the conference twinbill.

Game One

Both teams would collect a hit each in the first inning as Moorhead gained a single from Kayla Roidt. It was the Dragons who would strike first on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second frame. Riley McKeever and Lacey Camden would find base, eventually moving into scoring position on a double steal. Both runners would cross home thanks to a Cougar error, putting the Dragons up 2-0. Moorhead would hold the Cougars scoreless until the top of the fourth inning. Sioux Falls would plate three runs on three hits and a Dragon error to earn a 3-2 lead. 

MSUM would have a chance to even the score in the home half of the fifth inning after a single from McKeever. While the freshman would move into scoring position, MSUM would be held off the scoreboard. Cougar ace Maddi Duncan would not allow a hit in the sixth and seventh innings as Sioux Falls secured the 3-2 victory. 

Game Two

Neither team would find a run early in game two as the weather shifted to cold and windy. Moorhead would not earn a hit across the first three innings before Sioux Falls established a lead in the fourth inning. The Cougars would score three runs on three hits to push in front 3-0. MSUM would respond in the home half, securing their first hit off the bat of Courtney Locke.. The Dragons would later load the bases thanks to a Roidt walk and a Lexie Wilson single. In the ensuing at-bat, McKeever would collect another single, which drove Locke in from third base. 

Moorhead would have another strong chance to score in the bottom of the sixth inning as Locke led off with another single. The junior would eventually move to third base with two outs, but MSUM would be held off with the final inning looming. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Riley Dunne would kick off the frame with a double to give the Dragons some life. The Dragons would bring across a run later in the inning after a single from Sami Macchiaroli with two outs. Despite the tying run on base, Sioux Falls would escape the frame unscathed as the Cougars won, 3-2. 

Up Next

MSUM (2-25, 0-4 NSIC) is on the road for NSIC meetings with Augustana and Wayne State. Action begins against the Vikings on Saturday at noon.