Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- The #11 Minnesota State softball team saw its season come to an end Saturday afternoon as it fell to #18 Emporia State by the score of 3-2.

With the loss, MSU finished its season with a 43-13 record, while Emporia State improved to 47-13.
Tatum Klein recorded MSU's lone hit through the first five innings, while the Hornets mustered six hits, but were unable to plate a run.

ESU finally broke through in the top half of the sixth inning. Ries walked Jacie Stephens with one out before Madison Rich drove her in with a two-out, RBI-triple to give the Hornets the 1-0 lead.

Emporia State added two more runs in the top of the seventh as Andrea Piezuch posted a two-run home run to right field to put the Hornets up 3-0.

Trailing by three heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Mavericks led off the inning with a pair of singles from Klein and junior Chelsea Riordan. After a line out, sophomore Emily Bransky loaded the bases with an infield single.   

Senior Chelsea Riordan then plated MSU's first run with an RBI-single, before senior Lindsay Erickson drove in another run with a line out to center field, to bring MSU within one at 3-2. Senior Anna Cole then stepped up to the plate and sent one into left field where ESU's Piezuch made a diving catch to secure the win for the Hornets.

Caston (34-8) earned the win as she allowed just two runs through seven innings. Ries (23-8) took the loss as she gave up three runs, through seven innings, while striking out five batters.

Klein paced the Maverick offense with two hits, while Holien and Erickson each drove in one run for MSU.

Tricia Vogel notched two hits for the Hornets.
 
                                                                    -30-