Minnesota State Spoils SMSU Softball Senior Day with Pair of One-Run Victories

The Southwest Minnesota State softball team faced tough competition in their regular-season finale against Minnesota State on Saturday. The Mavericks narrowly defeated the Mustangs in both games of the doubleheader, with scores of 5-4 and 4-3, spoiling SMSU’s senior day.

Despite the losses, the Mustangs are still in contention for the final spot in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament. Their 10-18 conference record currently places them in 10th place, with Northern State right behind them in 11th. Northern State’s performance on Sunday will determine whether SMSU secures their spot in the tournament or not.

In game 1, the Mustangs fought back in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game, but the Mavericks ultimately pulled ahead in the seventh for the win. Pitcher Morgyn Otte put on a strong performance, pitching a full seven innings and holding the Mavericks to seven hits and one walk.

Game 2 saw the Mavericks take an early lead with three runs in the first inning. SMSU responded with two runs of their own, but Minnesota State ultimately secured the win with a final score of 4-3. Pitcher Karlie Miller went the distance for the Mustangs, allowing four earned runs on 10 hits.

With the regular season now over, SMSU will anxiously await the results of Northern State’s games on Sunday to see if they will continue on to the NSIC tournament. If Northern State gets swept, the Mustangs will face off against the No. 7 seed, currently Minot State, in the tournament. Stay tuned for updates on SMSU’s postseason fate.