MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State softball (36-12, 16-6 NSIC) splits two games with Winona State (28-16, 12-6 NSIC) on Thursday, winning the first game and dropping the second. A two-out, two-RBI triple from senior centerfielder Kylie Sullivan secured game one for the Mavericks, winning 2-1. The Mavericks couldn't push anyone across in game two, losing 4-0.
 
Game 1 vs Winona State: MSU 2, WSU 1
W: Armbruster (18-5) L: Howe (11-5)
The first game was scoreless until the top of the third inning, Winona State striking first. A two-out double from Sam Keller and an RBI single from Abbie Hlas put the Warriors on top early, 1-0.
 
The next score would come in the bottom of the fifth. Ella Schulz hit a leadoff single to start the inning, and Marina Carter reached on an infield single to put runners on first and second with two outs. After a pop up and a foul out, Kylie Sullivan hit a triple to right center, scoring both baserunners and giving the Mavericks a 2-1 lead.
 
The Warriors threatened in the top of the sixth and seventh, putting two runners on base in both innings. However, McKayla Armbruster and the Mavericks' defense held Winona State scoreless, securing the 2-1 win. She pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on eight hits, striking out seven. WSU stranded 11 runners on base in game one.
 
Sullivan was one of three players with multiple hits in the game. She went 2-3, driving in the only two runs for MSU in the game. Izzy Hycnar and Carter also finished with two hits. Carter scored the leading run in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Game 2 vs Winona State: WSU 4, MSU 0
W: Berg (6-3) L: Brandt (2-1)
The first run would be scored in the top of the third inning, again. Hlas doubled to left center and Kiley Slaats followed up the hit with a double of her own, scoring Hlas and giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead.
 
Minnesota State threatened in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with nobody out thanks to three-straight singles to open the inning. A fielder's choice prevented the Mavericks from scoring. Freshman Courtney Kessler hit a pop fly to shallow right, allowing the Warriors' right fielder to catch the ball and throw out Schulz, who tagged up from third and attempted to score, ending the inning.
 
Winona State went up 2-0 in the top of the sixth, thanks to two more doubles. The team rallied a few more hits together in the top of the seventh, making the score 4-0. The Warriors would close out the game, securing all three outs in the bottom half of the inning, winning by four.
 
Rhyan Fritz was the only Maverick with multiple hits in game two, going 3-3 at the plate.
 
"In the first game, I felt very fortunate to get out of there with a win," said Minnesota State head coach Lori Meyer. "We contained them, but they made it hard on us. In game two, we didn't do what we had to do offensively. We have to be able to get out of innings defensively with two outs."
 
Minnesota State is back in action on Sunday at the MSU Softball Diamond. The Mavericks will take on Wayne State (7-35, 3-15 NSIC) on Senior Day, playing games at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.