The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team had a mixed doubleheader against Minnesota State University Moorhead, securing a decisive 15-1 victory in the first game but falling short with a 4-2 loss in the second.

In the first game, the Bulldogs dominated from the second inning onward. After a scoreless first, Khendal Johnson doubled, and Morgan McMillan drove in the first run with a single. Daphne Evans delivered a key double to center field, driving in three runs. Ava Johnson added to the tally with a sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 5-0 by the end of the second inning. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third when a wild pitch allowed Johnson to score from third, making it 6-0.

The Dragons managed to score in the fourth inning, but the Bulldogs maintained a comfortable lead at 6-1. The sixth inning was explosive for UMD, as Kendal Jenkins and Sierra Thomas contributed with RBI singles, and Serena Timmer added a two-run double. The team capitalized on walks and hit batters, culminating in a nine-run frame that sealed the victory at 15-1.

Emmie Sylvia-Cochran led the pitching staff, delivering an effective five innings with only four hits and one earned run allowed, striking out four batters. Sylvia-Cochran's performance included 71 pitches with 47 strikes, securing her 13th win of the season. Relief pitcher Ashley Mandell followed with a flawless inning, not allowing any hits or runs and needing just 11 pitches to close out the game. 

Evans scored two runs and recorded three RBIs, while Ava Johnson also had a significant impact with one hit and three RBIs. Timmer tallied two runs and two RBIs, and Khendal Johnson posted three runs and two hits, including a double.

In the second game, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, collecting only three hits. They scored in the fourth and seventh innings, but the Dragons' four-run fourth inning secured their victory. In the fourth, Evans singled to right-center and stole second, after which Kendal Jenkins doubled to right-center, driving in Evans. By the end of the inning, the score was 4-1 in favor of the Dragons.

UMD added another run in the seventh when Khendal Johnson reached on an error and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Morgan McMillan reached on another error, allowing Johnson to score, but the inning ended with a score of 4-2.

Allyssa Williams started on the mound for UMD, pitching over three innings while allowing 10 hits and four earned runs, striking out three and walking one on 80 pitches, 55 of which were strikes. Despite her efforts, she recorded the loss. Ashley Mandell provided effective relief, pitching the remainder of the game and allowing just one hit with two strikeouts and one walk, throwing 31 pitches with 19 strikes.

Evans recorded one hit and scored a run while successfully stealing a base. Jenkins contributed with a double and drove in a run, while McMillan also added to the offense with one hit. 

The Bulldogs will return home to host Bemidji State University on Wednesday, with the first pitch set for 1:00 p.m.