North Dakota State University’s softball team lost to Omaha 17-7 in the Summit League series finale on March 22 at Connie Claussen Field.
The game saw North Dakota State take an early lead after Savannah Henzler hit her first home run of the season, putting the Bison ahead 2-0 in the first inning. However, Omaha responded with a ten-run bottom of the first, including six unearned runs following a Bison error. The large deficit proved too much for North Dakota State to overcome.
Omaha continued to build its lead by adding four more runs in the third inning. Jessica Delatorre contributed for North Dakota State with her own two-run home run in the fourth, and Star Cortez added an RBI single later that inning. Despite these efforts, Omaha scored three additional runs in their half of the fourth.
In the fifth inning, Zoe King delivered an RBI single for North Dakota State and another run was scored on an error. Still, these late runs were not enough as the game ended early due to the run rule.
Delatorre led North Dakota State offensively by going three-for-three with two RBIs and a run scored. Amai Hanta had two hits—including a triple—along with an RBI and a run scored. Lileigh Nieto reached base twice on walks, stole a base, and scored two runs.
Looking ahead, North Dakota State will return to non-conference play for two games against Alabama. The Bison are scheduled to face No. 4/6 Alabama on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by another game Saturday at 1 p.m.
