LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The North Dakota softball team took on New Mexico State on Monday, falling 2-1 to the Aggies. Pitching was the story in this game as both teams threw well. UND starter Camryn Lasota pitched 3.1 innings and allowed two runs on three hits but took the loss, while Makaela Carr went 2.2 scoreless innings in relief. For NMSU Emily Dix threw 6.1 innings and got the win while Jaileen Mancha threw .2 to get the save.

In the bottom of the first, Lasota got out of the inning with a runner on second base with a two out strikeout to end the threat. After Katelyn Neumayer reached on a fielder's choice and Taya Hopfauf walked in the top of the second, NMSU got out of a jam. Later in the top of the fourth Katie Joten was hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error, but NMSU got out of it to keep the game scoreless.

A leadoff home run in the bottom of the fifth and an RBI groundout made it 2-0 for NMSU. NoDak got on the board in the top of the seventh—Hopfauf got a one out single and Johanna Rodriguez followed with a single to put the tying run on. Mariah Peters pinch hit and reached on an error to load the bases. Brooklyn Morris came up with the bases loaded and hit a sac fly to bring in Hopfauf and make it 2-1.

The Fighting Hawks will play at Prairie View A&M on Wednesday and then at Houston Christian on Thursday before a weekend tournament at McNeese State starting on Friday.

Postgame Notes 

·        Morris' sac fly was the first of her career.

·        Joten stole her first base of the season.

·        Carr allowed no runs for the second time this season, also going 2.2 scoreless innings against Nicholls State.

·        Four strikeouts was the most Lasota has had this season since five in the season opener against Southern.

How It Happened 

B4 – NMSU 2, UND 0

T7 – NMSU 2, UND 1

For more information on North Dakota softball, follow on social media @UNDsoftball or visit FightingHawks.com.