Box Score SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The fifth-rated Minnesota State softball was unable to advance to the NSIC Championship game as it fell to No. 18 Winona State, 8-7 in nine innings on Saturday.

Seniors Lindsay Erickson and Anna Cole in addition to freshman pitcher Coley Ries were named to the NSIC All-Tournament Team for their efforts during the three day tournament.

With the loss, MSU falls to 43-11 on the season, while Winona State boasts a 44-7 record.
 
The Mavericks were able to strike first as senior Samantha Holien connected on a leadoff-single before eventually being batted in by a sac fly off the bat of senior Kelly Wood giving MSU a 1-0 lead after the first inning.
 
MSU posted four runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning as the Mavericks hit three-straight singles to load the bases for the top of the batting order where Holien was able to score junior Chelsea Riordan on a grounder to second base. Sophomore Karli DesLauriers and seniors Lindsay Erickson and Anna Cole also crossed the dish, giving MSU a 5-0 lead after two complete innings.
 
The Warriors were able to find their way on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning as they posted one run on two hits with one Maverick miscue to cut the MSU lead to 5-1.
 
Winona State added an additional run in the top of the fourth inning before Morgan Lintz connected on a two-out, three-run shot to right center to knot the game at 5-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.
 
The two teams each added two runs in the seventh inning, as MSU found itself in a 7-5 hole with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning when the NSIC Player of the Year stepped into the box and blasted her 11th home run of the season, knotting the game at 7-7. The Mavericks weren't able to add any other runs forcing additional innings.
 
WSU scored what proved to be the game's winning run in the top of the ninth inning. MSU had runners on first and second with no outs before the Warriors made a magnificent double-play, and walked Erickson before a line-out ended the contest.
 
Freshman pitcher Coley Ries went all nine innings, allowing four earned runs on 11 hits and five strikeouts.
 
The Mavericks will wait to learn their NCAA Tournament fate, the bracket will be released Monday, May 5, at 9:00 a.m. CT.?