The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team faced Southwest Minnesota State University in a doubleheader at Mustang Field on Sunday, dropping its second doubleheader of the weekend.

In game one, the Bulldogs put forth a strong defensive effort with no errors and two hits, but fell short against a second-inning home run by the Mustangs, which ultimately decided the contest. Southwest Minnesota secured a narrow 1-0 victory over UMD, with Marsh homering to right field in the second inning to bring in the game's only run. Despite UMD's efforts throughout the game, including a hit by Morgan McMillan in the fourth inning and a double by Khendal Johnson in the seventh, they were unable to bring any runners home.

Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, allowing just three hits and one earned run over six innings. She faced 22 batters and struck out two without issuing any walks, effectively managing seven flyouts and nine groundouts. 

Johnson contributed with a double as she recorded one of the team's few hits. McMillan tallied a hit in three at-bats, providing a presence at the plate, while Sierra Thomas made an impact in the field with two assists from her position at second base.

In game two, UMD again struggled, falling to Southwest Minnesota, 9-0, after managing five hits but committing four errors. The Mustangs capitalized with nine hits and seven RBIs, securing the win in just five innings. SMSU took control in the second inning with five runs, including a two-RBI single followed by a double, which brought in two more runs. Another single ended the score at 5-0 by the end of the second inning. The Mustangs added another run in the third inning with a triple to right field and a single, extending their lead to 6-0.

The fourth inning saw SMSU capitalize on UMD's errors to score three unearned runs, with a fielding error allowing a run and further errors contributing to the additional runs to force the score to 9-0 at the end of the fourth inning. UMD had opportunities in the fifth inning with hits from Khendal Johnson, Serena Timmer, and Paige Johnson, but could not capitalize as the inning concluded with no runs.

Allyssa Williams started for the Bulldogs, pitching into the second inning, allowing five earned runs on four hits while walking three batters. Williams faced 12 batters and despite recording no strikeouts, she managed to induce three groundouts. Ashley Mandell relieved Williams, pitching over two innings and allowing one earned run on five hits, keeping the damage minimal with no walks during her appearance. 

Ava Johnson recorded one hit and a double in her three at-bats, contributing to the Bulldogs' efforts on offense. Paige Johnson led with two hits in two at-bats, marking an efficient performance at the plate, while Kendal Jenkins drew a walk and added a stolen base.

The Bulldogs will return to campus this Friday for a doubleheader against the University of Mary at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.