Alexia Klaas has played a lot of softball in Duluth over the years, but Tuesday afternoon was the first time she got to do so on the artificial turf of James S. Malosky Stadium.

The University of Minnesota Duluth rookie left fielder had the last at bat in the Bulldogs' 2015 home debuts with Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference rival St. Cloud State University and she came through with a two-out, bases-loaded single that brought home Becky Smith from third to seal a 3-2 victory. UMD, which fell in the opener 7-0, moved to 17-7 overall and 1-1 in the NSIC while the Huskies are now 15-11 and 1-1.

"A win like that, especially in walk-off fashion, is huge," said senior third baseman Jordan Rice. "We really needed to set the tone in the conference today."

Smith's RBI single to left field in the bottom of the first gave UMD a 1-0 lead in the rematch, but the Huskies answered in their next at bats with a run. The Bulldogs regained the lead at 2-1 in the fourth when freshman center fielder Hannah Schmoll's infield single plated Klaas. Two innings later, St. Cloud State drew even again on a sacrifice fly, setting the stage for Klaas' heroics. Smith, Rice and junior third baseman Sami Schnyder each went 2-for-4. UMD (11) and the Huskies combined for 17 hits, all singles. Junior Caylie Sadler (7-5) struck out three and walked won in the complete-game victory.

In the 7-0 setback, St. Cloud State pitcher Kelly Franks held the Bulldogs to just four hits and struck out 12. A four-run fifth inning put the game away for the Huskies, who were part of the earliest home opener in UMD history (the 2012 Bulldogs also played their first game in Duluth on March. 24).

"Playing at home is always a great experience," said  Rice. "I've only played five game on campus since I got here three years so its feels great."

UMD will close out a six-game homestand with doubleheaders against Minnesota State University-Mankato and Concordia University-St. Paul this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.