Photo credit: photos.paap.net

WAYNE, Neb. --- The No. 13 Minnesota State softball team topped Wayne State, 10-9, before falling, 6-5, in game two at the Pete Chapman Softball Complex.

In game one, senior Jessica Meidl connected on a two RBI home run in the seventh inning to send Minnesota State (22-6, 3-1 NSIC) past Wayne State (7-16, 1-3 NSIC), 10-9. Sophomore Caitlin Stone (8-1) earned the win allowing only three hits in the final 2.1 innings. Freshman Mackenzie Ward started the contest and added a game-high five strikeouts. Junior Alyx Hagen picks up the loss for the Wildcats giving up three hits in 2.0 innings of work.

After both teams traded runs in the first four innings the Wildcats held a 3-2 advantage. The Mavericks offense then came alive in the fifth frame with a five run explosion to steal the edge, 7-3. The inning was highlighted by sophomore Amber Kral hitting her fourth double of the season down the left field line to score sophomore Carly Esselman. Wayne State answered in the bottom half with a five run inning of its own to reclaim the lead, 8-7.

After both teams registered a run in the sixth, Meidl came up clutch for the Mavericks with home run over the center field wall in the seventh frame. It was her second straight game with a home run and third of the season. Minnesota State closed the game out in the bottom half with three straight outs to seal the 10-9 victory.

Meidl set the standard for the Mavericks with a team-high three hits and game-best five RBI. Junior McKenzie Paap also contributed two hits and a game-high two stolen bases. The Mavericks totaled 12 hits as a team in comparison to the Wildcats 11.

In game two, Wayne State snapped Minnesota State's six game win streak, 6-5. Sophomore Bria Majeski (4-1) takes the loss for the Mavericks allowing one hit in one inning of action. Freshman Lexi Schoper got the start and totaled two strikeouts. Junior Riley Vanderveen earns the win for the Wildcats giving up eight hits in 6.0 innings.

After a scoreless opening two innings, Minnesota State jumped out to a 2-0 advantage with runs from freshman Hannah McCarville and Meidl in the third frame. Wayne State responded with two runs of its own in the bottom half to lock the contest, 2-2. The Wildcats then took their first lead of the game after senior Jordyn Breitbarth connected on a home run, 3-2, in the fourth inning.

Wayne State continued to apply pressure extending its advantage to three, 5-2, with two runs in the fifth frame. Minnesota State attempted to put together a comeback in the sixth inning with three runs to deadlock the contest, 5-5. Freshman Torey Richards got the inning started with a two RBI single to pull the Mavericks within one. Esselman tied the contest with RBI single of her own to the pitcher which sent Meidl home. However, senior Katelyn Wobken answered for the Wildcats with the game-winning home run to center field in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the game out of reach, 6-5.

Richards paced Minnesota State with a team-best three hits and three RBI. The shortstop also extended her hit streak to 15-games. The Mavericks registered 10 hits as team, while the Wildcats posted nine.

Minnesota State returns to action tomorrow at Augustana. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m.