OMAHA, Neb. – North Dakota softball was on the wrong end of a pitching duel on Sunday afternoon in Omaha as the Mavericks' Maddia Groff delivered a perfect game in the circle, while the Fighting Hawks' Unity Nelson scattered three hits, two of which left the yard via solo blasts, to suffer the 2-0 loss in the series finale from Connie Claussen Field. The loss moves UND to 17-18 overall with a 2-4 mark in Summit League play, while UNO improves to 22-9 with a .500 mark in league play.
 
Solo home runs in the first and sixth innings and a base hit in the Mavericks' final trip to the plate were the lone base knock blemishes on Nelson's record. She stranded nine UNO runners on the basepaths including working around bases loaded jams in the third and fifth innings.
 
A hard hit ball on the infield from the bat of Katie Joten in the UND seventh was initially ruled a hit but was overturned via review (batter out of the box) which led to Jotin flying out several pitches later.
 
The Hawks turn their attention to a highly-awaited home opener on Wednesday, April 2 as UND welcomes in Mayville State (weather pending) for the first official home game at Albrecht Field. First pitch in Grand Forks is set for 5 p.m. Live coverage links for the series are available at www.FightingHawks.com.
 
For more information on North Dakota softball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDsoftball.

Postgame Notes

• Nelson finished with six strikeouts: her second game this season with 6+ Ks
• She went 6.0+ innings for the second time this season
• Nelson's three hits allowed are the fewest for the freshman arm in outings of 5.0+ innings this season
• The Hawks were no-hit for the third time this season
• The Hawks are 1-4 this season when allowing three or fewer hits