On a perfect sunny afternoon at Junction Avenue Field, the University of Minnesota Duluth split a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference series with Southwest Minnesota State University after dropping game one 2-0 and taking game two 3-2.

After splitting the series, the Bulldogs (31-15 overall; 15-7 NSIC) move to 9-3 overall at home on the season thus far. 

The first game went to SMSU thanks in large part to the performance on the mound from senior pitcher Alex O'Connor (W, 9-8). O'Connor held the Bulldogs to five hits while striking out seven en route to a complete game shutout. Senior southpaw Sam Hartmann took the helm for UMD, allowing just two runs over 7.0 innings of work. Hartmann has now gone six straight outings without allowing a walk. Sophomore first baseman Kalynn Tilton would collect two hits; going 2-for-3 at the plate with a stolen base. 

In the rematch, the Mustangs got things started in the top of the first, quickly taking a 1-0 lead. UMD would answer right away in the bottom of the first, as junior second baseman Natalie Wright doubled to left center driving in junior center fielder Hannah Schmoll. A leadoff single from sophomore right fielder Sammi Sadler in the bottom of the second wouldn't go unanswered, as freshman third baseman Lauren Greeder knocked her in with a two-out single to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. A solo shot off the bat of junior shortstop Becky Smith added an insurance run for UMD in the third. Smith would catch a crucial line-drive in the fifth to end the inning after SMSU pulled within one run; leaving a runner stranded on second base. In that same inning, Schmoll made a stellar diving catch to rob senior shortstop Karmann Carroll of an extra base hit. Sophomore pitcher Valerie Hohol pitched five innings, allowing two runs and earning the win to mover her record to 14-2 on the season.

Due to a cold and rainy forecast in Duluth, Sunday's NSIC matchups with the University of Sioux Falls have been moved to the College of St. Benedict, with first pitch at 2 p.m.