Bulldogs Fall to NDSU in Tucson Regional Opener

Friday, May 18

Tucson, Ariz.

8:00 PM

Mississippi State

36-22

North Dakota State

34-17

North Dakota State

Mississippi State

MSU brought the winning run to the plate in the seventh inning, but ultimately dropped the opening game of the Tucson Regional.

Photo by: Trevor Birchett/MSU Athletics

Bulldogs Fall to NDSU in Tucson Regional Opener

May 19, 2018 | Softball

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TUCSON, Ariz. – Mississippi State softball (36-22) brought the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but North Dakota State (34-17) held on to earn a 5-4 win Friday at Hillenbrand Stadium to open the Tucson Regional.

"That was a tough game to not come out with the victory," said head coach Vann Stuedeman. "North Dakota State really capitalized with aggressive base running. It just seemed like every time they had runners out there, they were able to get them in, and that's what it takes to win a game in the postseason."

The Bulldog offense recorded ninth total hits with three Bulldogs, picking up multiple hits against the Bison. Freshman Mia Davidson led the Bulldogs at the plate as she went 2-for-2 with two walks, a run scored and an RBI. Facing one of the nation's top strikeout pitchers in NDSU's Jacquelyn Sertic, MSU only struck out once Friday evening.

In the circle, senior Holly Ward (15-9) earned the start as the right-hander tossed seven innings. Ward allowed four runs off seven hits with two strikeouts. Two of the four runs allowed were unearned. Senior Cassady Knudsen tossed 2.2 innings of relief, picking up six strikeouts against the 10 batters she faced. Knudsen allowed just one run off two hits and two walks.

Ward opened the game with a ground out to second and a strikeout for two quick outs, but a MSU error extended the inning. The Bison took advantage of the miscue as the next batter, Vanessa Anderson, slugged a triple to right center to plate an unearned run to take an 1-0 lead.

The NDSU lead would hold until the bottom of the third before a few timely hits propelled MSU to its first lead. The rally began with a one-out walk to Davidson before junior Kat Moore doubled to left field to move both runners into scoring position. Junior Sarai Niu plated the first run of the game with an RBI single to left field before senior Reggie Harrison knocked a sacrifice fly to right field to give State a 2-1 lead.

MSU's lead was short lived as Tabby Heinz knocked a solo home run in the fourth to tie the game at 2-2. The Bison fourth-inning rally continued with a two-RBI single up the middle by Julia Luciano.

NDSU found momentum in the top of the fifth with back-to-back singles, forcing MSU to go to the bullpen to bring in senior Cassady Knudsen. Knudsen shut the door with a fly out and strikeout to snuff out the scoring opportunity.

MSU got one run back in the sixth after a walk and error on a fielder's choice put two runners on. Davidson singled up the middle to bring senior Calyn Adams home to cut the Bison lead to 4-3.

After retiring the first five batters she faced in relief with help of four consecutive strikeouts, Knudsen gave up a walk and two singles in the seventh, allowing a Bison run to score and push the NDSU lead back up to 5-3.

Once again, the Bulldogs kept the fight alive as Niu led off the seventh with a walk to bring the tying run to the plate. Senior Morgan Bell singled to right center to bring home pinch runner sophomore Candace Denis home from first to cut the lead to 5-4, but the Bison responded with a fielder's choice and fly out to retire the side.

DUE UP
Mississippi State will face the loser of Saint Francis (Pa.) versus No. 9 Arizona in the fourth game of the Tucson Regional. First pitch of the elimination game is set for 6:30 p.m. CT

WATCH LIVE
Every game of the Tucson Regional will be broadcasted by EPSN though WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app with Mark Neely and Danielle Lawrie on the call. Any national broadcasting assignments for Saturday's slate of the Tucson Regional will be announced on Saturday.

LIVE STATS
Arizona will provide live stats for every game of the Tucson Regional. Fans can access live stats through GameTracker as part of the NCAA's interactive bracket.

Tucson Regional Live Stats

ADMISSION
Fans looking to make their way to Arizona can still purchase both single-game and session tickets while supplies last. Ticket practices and more information can be found at ArizonaWildcats.com.

FOLLOW THE DAWGS
For more on Mississippi State softball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap".