COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The North Dakota softball team fell in both games of a doubleheader Friday against South Dakota State to open Summit League play, falling 2-0 in game one and 2-1 in game two. Jackie Albrecht and Makaela Carr both had quality starts, as Albrecht limited SDSU to three hits in game one and racked up six strikeouts to bring her season total to 74. Carr limited SDSU to four hits in game two, and got out of a couple of jams but a two run walk-off homerun won the game for the Jackrabbits in game two.

Game one

Both pitchers were locked in as Albrecht faced off with Jackrabbits ace Tori Kniesche. The two pitchers allowed seven hits between them in the game. Both runs came on an RBI double from SDSU's Rozelyn Carrillo in the third.

Hannah Thompson singled in the fourth to break up the no-hitter, then to start the sixth Angie Dumlao and Johanna Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles. On a groundout both runners advanced, but could not come around to score as a popout and strikeout ended the inning.

Albrecht got out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth, a leadoff walk and sac bunt moved the runner into scoring position, followed by a single that put runners at the corners. A wild pitch moved the runner from first up 60 feet, putting two in scoring position with one out. On a fielder's choice Taya Hopfauf saved the run at home plate, and then snagged a lineout to end the threat.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, Cassie Castaneda doubled to left; bringing the tying run to the plate. But a strikeout ended the game.

Kniesche got the win while Albrecht took the loss.

Game Two

Dumlao led off the game with a single through the left side, but UND was unable to take advantage. Carr started in the second game, after allowing a leadoff single and a walk got a strikeout and two groundouts; which stranded runners at second and third. Carr and SDSU counterpart Shannon Lasey didn't allow a hit in either of the second or third innings, a streak Hopfauf ended with a single to left in the fourth. In the fifth, NoDak finally broke through as Johanna Rodriguez hit a deep double to right center that brought Dumlao in to score. In the bottom of the frame Carr got two popouts to end the inning after a one out double.

The green and white nearly got another in the top of the sixth but Izzy Haslett was caught trying to steal home to end the inning. In the bottom of the frame Carr got out of another jam as SDSU got a one out double but Carr got a groundout and flyout to keep SDSU off the board. After a quiet top of the seventh for UND, SDSU's Madi Conklin hit a homerun with one on to centerfield to lift the Jackrabbits over the Fighting Hawks.

Alexa Williams picked up the win for SDSU while Carr took the loss.

The Fighting Hawks will conclude the three-game set in Council Bluffs tomorrow at noon.

Postgame Notes 

·        Albrecht fanned six batters in game one, her most since striking out seven against Northern Colorado on 3/16

·        Dumlao, Rodriguez and Castaneda each picked up a hit in both of the games.

·        Carr threw 6.1 innings, her most since throwing seven against Utah State, and struck out three batters.

·        Dumlao has now hit safely in five straight games.

How It Happened 

Game one

B3- SDSU 2, UND 0

Game two

T5- UND 1, SDSU 0

B7- SDSU 2, UND 1

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