ABERDEEN, S.D. – Minot State University smacked 14 hits in game 1, but were stymied to just three in game 2 to finish with a split against Minnesota Crookston and Black Hills State on day 1 of the Minot State Invite Thursday at the Presentation Dome.

The Beavers had four extra base hits to roll to a 7-1 win over Minnesota Crookston in the first game of the day, but ran into BHSU's starter Alex Wiley who tossed a three-hitter to help the Yellow Jackets to a 1-0 in game 2.

BHSU went 2-0 on the day, defeating Minnesota State University Moorhead 7-3 in its first game, while the Dragons rebounded for a 6-3 over UMC in game 2.

"Game 1 went really well for us. We got runs in the first inning and never looked back," Minot State head coach Bill Triplett said. "In game 2 we had our chances with runners in scoring position several times, but couldn't get a big hit. We are a bit disappointed but need to put that away and get ready for tomorrow."

The Beavers (2-5 overall) got off to a great start against the Golden Eagles (1-6 overall) in the first game, going up 3-0 on a RBI double by Rachel Burdette and a two-run home run by Tori Zimmermann. It was Zimmermann's third home run of the year and her second to come in the first inning of a game.

Zimmermann finished with two hits and two RBIs, while Burdette went 3 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. In all, MSU had four players with multi-hit games and nine players had at least one in the contest. Lauren Cowden and Ashley Hill joined Zimmermann with two hits each with Cowden and Kayla Larson all hitting triples in the game.

The Beavers pitching tandem of Clarissa Ramirez and Emma Casey kept the Golden Eagles off balance all game. Ramirez earned her first win of the season, pitching six innings of five-hit ball, giving up one run and striking out five. Casey pitched a clean seventh with two strikeouts.

Rocky Bjorge led UMC with two hits and Jenna Boardman drove in the only run for the Golden Eagles. Mikayla Jones pitched six innings, giving up four runs in the loss.

In game 2, MSU had some chances to get a key run, but stranded five runners including two in scoring position to get shut out for the first time this season.

Wiley was solid all game, striking out seven and allowing just three hits for the complete-game win. She was nearly matched by MSU's Jenn Spencer, who was the tough-luck loser also tossing a three-hitter. Spencer gave up just a first-inning run and struck out four, falling to 1-2 on the season.

"Spencer threw a great game," Triplett said. "We just didn't support her with any runs. Ramirez was good for us in the first game in the circle."

Cowden, Zimmermann and Skyla Neubauer picked up the three MSU hits with Zimmermann finishing with a double and Cowden adding a stolen base.

Pamela Sakuma drove in the only run of the game, plating Wiley in the bottom of the first inning. Sakuma, Maddie London and Claire Fergusson all finished with hits for BHSU.

The Beavers will get a change to avenge the loss in the morning as they take on BHSU at 10 a.m. and finish the tournament with MSU Moorhead at Noon.

About Minot State
Minot State University is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and NCAA Division II offering 14 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. The NSIC is a premier NCAA DII, 16-member conference featuring teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The Beavers are the only public NCAA Division II institution in the state of North Dakota.