EMPORIA, KAN. – The University of Sioux Falls Softball Team had two hits each from senior centerfielder Frankie Mickelson and freshman infielder Shayla Running but dropped a 7-2 nonconference decision in the opener of the Emporia State 5-State Tournament.

The Cougars, which has lost two straight games, will play games against Missouri Western (8:30 am) and Washburn (12:30 pm) on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Washburn University Softball Complex in Topeka, Kan.

Against ESU, the Cougars had a rough start as they allowed six runs in the first inning. The Cougars responded with two runs in the fifth inning before ESU closed the scoring with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Mickelson hit a two-run home run – her first of the season – in the fifth inning to plate Sydney Nieveen. However, USF could manage just six hits on the day against sophomore right-hander Sydney Righi, who improved to 3-1 on the season. Righi had two strikeouts and a walk in going seven innings for the complete game.

Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag (1-1) took the loss for USF. She allowed six runs on three hits with three walks in 1/3 of an inning. Nieveen finished for USF and was solid with 5 2/3 inning of two-hit softball. She allowed just one hit and a walk while permitting just one earned run.

ESU's offense, which finished with seven hits, was led by junior catcher Cassidy Beem who hit a grand slam in the first inning. Aside from Nieveen, Running and Mickelson, Van Der Zwaag also had a hit.