Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – The Northern State University softball team played 15-innings of Northern Sun Intercollegiate action on Wednesday, falling twice to Minot State. The Wolves recorded 17 hits between the two games, however struggled to bring runners in that were in scoring position.

THE QUICK DETAILS

Final Score Game 1: NSU 1, MiSU 3 (8 inn)

Final Score Game 2: NSU 6, MiSU 10

Records: NSU 18-18 (4-12 NSIC), MiSU 15-11 (10-4 NSIC)

HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 1

• It was a scoreless game through the top of the sixth in game one, with Northern notching one run in the bottom of the sixth
• With runners on first and third in the sixth, Claire Zbylut reach on a fielder’s choice and Kyra Knudtson scored, giving NSU a 1-0 lead
• The Beavers rallied back with one un the top of the seventh, tying the game and Northern was unable to score the game winner in the bottom of the frame
• The contest headed to the eighth, where Minot State scored two runs
• Northern went 3-up, 3-down in the eighth and fell in their 11^th NSIC game of 2024
• The Wolves scored one run on eight hits, leaving seven runners on base in the loss
• Lexi Chase suffered the loss, despite a solid outing, giving up just three earned runs on five hits with ten strikeouts
• Ashley Fauske and Kyra Knudtson led the offense with two hits a piece; both of which were doubles by Knudtson

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

• Ashley Fauske: 2-for-3, 1 sacrifice
• Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-4, 2 doubles

HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 2

• Minot State got off to a hot start in game two, notching three runs in the first; they added one in the third, four in the sixth, and two in the seventh, giving the Wolves an uphill battle to climb
• Northern chipped away with two runs in the bottom of the fourth scored by Ashley Fauske and Emma Owens
• Owens added the teams lone run in the sixth and the Wolves entered the final frame down 8-3
• Alysa Lowe, Lexi Chase, and Taylor Coleman scored for NSU in the bottom of the seventh rally, however the three runs were not enough to overcome the 10-3 deficit
• Northern tallied their six runs on nine hits and recorded two errors defensively
• Mckenzie Wanner suffered the loss, giving up four runs in 2.1 innings of work, while Abby Rux and Coleman both entered in relief
• Owens led the offense in game two with three hits, including two doubles, and two runs scored

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

• Emma Owens: 3-for-4, 2 runs, 2 doubles, 1 RBI
• Ashley Fauske: 2-for-3, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 sacrifice
• Lexi Chase: 2-for-3, 1 run, 1 double

UP NEXT

Northern returns to Koehler Hall of Fame Field on Saturday, taking on Southwest Minnesota State. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. between the two teams. The first 100 fans into the facility on Saturday will receive a free box of Cracker Jacks with one lucky winner taking home a Northern State prize pack.