WAYNE, Neb. -- At the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Crossover, the Bemidji State University softball team lost two decisions, 10-2 to Southwest Minnesota State and 5-1 to host-Wayne State (Neb.). Today’s games were the league openers for the Beavers. BSU falls to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in the NSIC while SMSU is 4-18 and 2-0 and WSC is 13-9 and 1-2.

In Game 1 against the Mustangs, BSU junior Jamie Fisher hit the clubs first home run of the season in the top of the second inning to bring the Beavers to within a 2-1 count. But, SMSU sent nine batters to the plate in the home-half of the second frame scoring four runs on three hits and two BSU errors to go up 6-1 and put the game out of reach.

Junior Lauren Wilson added an RBI single in the fifth inning, plating pinch runner junior MerriAnne Werder after she replaced junior Jenny Dietz, who reached on a single to right center field. With the score 7-2 in favor of SW Minnesota State, SMSU notched three more runs in the fifth frame ending the game due to the eight-run rule.

BSU hurler Leah Bowen took the loss, her second of the season, allowing 10 runs (four earned) on 12 hits in 4.2 innings. She struck out two Mustangs. BSU’s line was two runs on four hits and committed four errors. SMSU totaled 10 runs on 12 hits and had one error.

Against Wayne State, the Beavers posted a season-high six hits but could only score one run - a fielder’s choice by Bowen plating Fisher in the sixth inning. Meanwhile, the Wildcats poured in all five runs in the first two innings off junior pitcher Katie McKenzie. BSU had several opportunities, leaving two runners on base in the first inning and one apiece in three other innings.

The Beavers finished with three errors, the third time this season they had at least three miscues. WSC had nine hits and committed one error. McKenzie, who went just two innings allowing five runs, three of them earned, on five hits, gave way to Bowen. Bowen silenced the Wildcat bats, giving up just four hits in four innings of relief.

BSU wraps up tournament play tomorrow in Wayne, Neb. with contests against Winona State at 9 a.m., Concordia-St. Paul at 11 a.m. and Northern State at 3 p.m.