Photo credit: photos.paap.net

ABERDEEN, S.D. --- The Minnesota State softball team saw its four game win streak come to an end as it dropped both ends of a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference doubleheader to Northern State (4-1, 1-0) Sunday afternoon at Moccasin Creek Complex.

In game one, the Wolves (23-17, 13-7 NSIC) topped the Mavericks (28-14, 9-9 NSIC), 4-1. Freshman Mackenzie Ward (14-7) pitched a complete game in the circle for Minnesota State and posted four strikeouts. Junior Jamie Fisher (17-10) earns the win for Northern State with one strikeout in a complete game.

The Wolves jumped out to a quick 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the first frame after a two RBI single from senior Katie Dawson. Northern State tacked on one more in the third inning, 3-0, with a score from junior Courtney Sjerven.

Freshman Hannah McCarville gave the Mavericks life in the fourth frame with her seventh double of the season to left center. The shot allowed freshman Morgan Keim-Wolfe to get across and pull the Mavericks within two, 3-1. However, the Wolves answered with an insurance run in the bottom half of the inning to make the score 4-1.

Minnesota State registered seven hits as a team in comparison to Northern State's eight.

In game two, the Wolves edged the Mavericks, 1-0. Sophomore Bria Majeski (4-2) made her sixth start of the season with one strikeout over 3.1 innings. Freshman Lexi Schoper closed out the final 2.2 innings and tossed a game-high three strikeouts. Freshman Mackenzie Merrit (5-6) earned the victory for Northern State with two strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Fisher tallied her fourth save of the season closing out the final frame.

After a scoreless first three innings, Northern State notched the games lone run after junior Cassidy Schaar sent a single to center field scoring freshman Emma Terveer in the fourth inning. Minnesota State attempted rally in the seventh inning getting two on base. Freshman Hailey Forshee got a single to drop and sophomore Kennedy Rieck got on after being hit by a pitch, but neither could get home.

Junior McKenzie Paap, sophomore Carly Esselmanand Forshee each posted a hit for the Mavericks. Minnesota State left six runners on base as a team.

The Mavericks return to action hosting Upper Iowa on Wednesday at the MSU Softball Diamond. The doubleheader is set to begin at 2:00 p.m.