VERMILLION, S.D. — A three-run third inning proved to be the difference as South Dakota fell to North Dakota State, 4-1, in Summit League softball action Thursday afternoon at Nygaard Field.

After two scoreless innings, the Bison broke through in the top of the third. With two outs, Ella Claus sparked the rally with a double and later advanced to third on a wild pitch. Following a walk and a stolen base, Bella Dean delivered the decisive blow, clearing the bases with a three-RBI double to give North Dakota State a 3-0 advantage. 

The Coyotes responded in the bottom of the fourth. Madison Evans led off the inning with a single and moved into scoring position after a walk and a sacrifice bunt. Autumn Iversen then lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Evans home and cutting the deficit to 3-1. 

North Dakota State added an insurance run in the seventh when Lileigh Nieto doubled and later scored on an RBI single by Claus, extending the lead to 4-1. 

Evans (6-12) delivered a strong performance in the circle for South Dakota, tossing a complete game while allowing just four runs on four hits and striking out nine. Despite the solid outing, the Coyotes' offense was limited to four hits on the afternoon. 

Iversen drove in USD's lone run, while Sara Iburg and Evans each recorded hits, with Iburg adding a stolen base. North Dakota State pitcher Jocelyn McClary earned the win after holding the Coyotes to one run over seven innings with six strikeouts. 

With the loss, South Dakota moved to 10-26-1 overall and 2-5 in Summit League play, while North Dakota State improved to 17-18 overall and 1-3 in conference action.