Bears Fall Just Short in 8-7 Battle Against South Dakota State

Monday, March 10

Lincoln, Neb.

9 a.m. (10 a.m. CST)

University of Northern Colorado

7-15

South Dakota State

10-13

South Dakota State

Northern Colorado

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/10/2025 11:49:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

Late Rally Comes Up One Run Short as UNC’s 11-Hit Effort Falls in Lincoln

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

LINCOLN, Neb. – Northern Colorado put up a strong fight but fell just short in an 8-7 loss to South Dakota State on Monday morning at Bowlin Stadium. Despite a solid offensive performance and a late rally, the Bears (7-15) couldn't overcome a three-run seventh inning by the Jackrabbits (10-13).

UNC jumped out to a fast start in the bottom of the first inning, scoring twice to take an early lead. Junior Katie Walling led the charge, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored. The Bears capitalized on timely hitting, but South Dakota State responded quickly, plating three runs in the top of the second to grab the lead.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the third, as Northern Colorado strung together key hits to push across three runs, reclaiming the advantage at 5-4. Amailee Morales and Krista Francia each chipped in with RBIs, while Walling continued to set the table at the top of the lineup.

From there, the game settled into a pitchers' duel, with both teams holding each other scoreless through the middle innings.

South Dakota State broke through in the top of the seventh, capitalizing on a combination of hits and an error to push three runs across and take an 8-5 lead. The Bears refused to go down quietly, mounting a final-inning comeback. Francia drove in a run, and Northern Colorado brought another home to cut the deficit to one. With the tying run on base, SDSU was able to escape the jam, sealing the one-run victory.

Northern Colorado finished with 11 hits but was unable to cash in on all of its opportunities, stranding five runners on base.

UP NEXT
The Bears will embark on their final road trip before their home opener, traveling to California for a three-game series against Loyola Marymount and a matchup at Long Beach State on March 15-16.