The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team battled in a pair of 1-0 losses to the University of Tampa on Tuesday afternoon in Florida. UMD dropped game one 1-0 in extra innings, before falling again 1-0 in the second game of the double-header. The pair of losses moves the Bulldogs to a 13-4 overall record on the season. 

Despite the losses, UMD's pitching staff had an impressive day on the mound. In game one, sophomore pitcher Lauren Dixon pitched lights out, going 8.2 innings and only giving up one earned run. Dixon picked up the loss in the opener and is now 6-1 on the year. In game two, 5th-year senior Sam Pederson gave up just three hits and one earned run in six innings of work. Additionally, Pederson struck out seven batters and is now up to 32 strike outs on the season. 

In game one, Kelly Swank would post a team-high two hits, including a triple in the top of the seventh. Additionally, Kiana Bender, Jordyn Thomas, Sidney Zavoral, and Nicole Schmitt would also chip in a hit during the extra innings loss. UMD's offense had chances in the nine inning game one, but would ultimately stranded five runners in the loss. In the bottom of the ninth, a pair of singles and a SAC bunt would put Tampa's winning run on third. A SAC fly to center would score the winning run for the Spartans. In game two, the Bulldogs would muster just one hit against the Spartans. In the top of the seventh, UMD got a leadoff single from Bender to get the tying run on base. However, Bender would be tagged out on the fielder's choice and the Spartans would hang on for the victory in game two. 

Up Next
UMD will continue it's Florida road trip tomorrow in Lakeland, FL. The Bulldogs will face Florida Southern College in a pair of games at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM