Box Score EMPORIA, KAN. – The University of Sioux Falls Softball Team (10-9), which was led by Francesca Mickelson's first home run of the season, dropped a 4-1 decision to Northeastern State (17-12) in nonconference action at the Emporia State Softball Classic.

Senior Kerrigan Hoshaw (3-4) took the loss for USF as she pitched five innings while allowing four runs, three of which were earned, on eight hits in the contest. Hoshaw also struck out four batters while issuing five walks. Junior Courtney Mathews finished for USF with one inning of scoreless relief.   

The USF offense was mostly held in check during Thursday's contest as they recorded five total hits and scored one run. Mickelson led the Cougar offense with one hit in three plate appearances with a solo home run in the third inning to put USF on the board.

Emily Hove, Lexie Swift, Sydney Nieveen, and Emmie Uitts each had a hit for the USF offense.

Game Recap
NSU broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the second inning after a single by Haley Acrey, double by Sierra Crick and a walk by Kyla Ibarra set the bases loaded. Cameron Conrad then flew out to center field and Acrey scored in the process.

USF responded in the top of the third inning with Mickelson cracking a two-out solo HR over the left field fence to tie the game up, 1-1.

NSU added two runs in the bottom half of the third inning after Jess Schuler hit a two-run HR with two outs in the inning to take a, 3-1 lead.

NSU added one insurance run in the bottom of the fourth inning to extend their lead to 4-1.

USF will continue with the ESU Softball Classic tomorrow (March 22) with a nonconference doubleheader against Central Missouri at 12:30 p.m., and Pittsburg State at 3 p.m.