The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team faced a challenging doubleheader against Winona State University at James S. Malosky Stadium, resulting in a defeat in the first game and a shutout victory in the second.

In the first game, UMD was defeated by Winona State, 9-0. WSU took an early lead with two unearned runs in the first inning, highlighted by a double. At the end of the inning, the Warriors led 2-0.

In the second inning, WSU added another run on a sacrifice groundout, making the score 3-0 in favor of Winona State. A solo home run in the third inning extended Winona State's lead to 4-0. Despite hits from Serena Timmer and Emma Ambroz, the Bulldogs were unable to score, keeping the score at 4-0. 

The game remained at 4-0 through the middle innings, with no runs scored in the fourth, fifth, or sixth innings. The seventh inning saw the Warriors score five runs, highlighted by a three-run homer and a single. UMD was unable to close the gap, ending the game with a final score of 9-0 in favor of Winona State.

Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and seven runs, with five of those runs earned. She recorded five strikeouts and issued four walks, while also giving up two home runs and a wild pitch. Maddy Walsh came in for relief, pitching the final inning, surrendering two hits and two earned runs, alongside three walks. 

Morgan McMillan collected two hits, demonstrating consistency at the plate, while Ambroz also contributed with two hits, matching McMillan's performance. Timmer added a double and earned a walk.

In the second game, UMD secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Winona State. The Bulldogs' pitching staff combined for a shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out four batters over seven innings. 

In the first inning, Daphne Evans doubled to right-center and advanced to third on a passed ball. Kendal Jenkins drove her in with a bunt single, giving the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead. The third inning saw Evans again making an impact with a double to left field, bringing home Noelle Krumrie, who had singled and stolen second. Jenkins added another RBI single, scoring Evans and extending the lead to 3-0. 

In the sixth inning, Sierra Thomas walked and advanced to third on Khendal Johnson's double to center field. Morgan McMillan then singled to center, driving in both Thomas and Johnson, pushing the score to 5-0.

Allyssa Williams delivered a commanding performance from the mound, pitching a complete game and securing her 10th win of the season. She allowed only four hits over seven innings, maintaining a clean sheet with zero runs. Williams issued no walks and struck out four batters. 

Evans contributed significantly by scoring two runs and collecting two hits, including two doubles, while also stealing a base. Jenkins supported the effort with two hits and two RBIs. McMillan also drove in two runs and stole a base, adding a hit to her performance. 

UMD now holds a record of 29-20, with a 14-12 standing in the NSIC. The Bulldogs will face their final regular-season doubleheaders on the road next week against St. Cloud State University on Saturday and Concordia University St. Paul on Sunday.