LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Chadron State softball found itself on the short end of two one-run decisions against New Mexico Highlands on Sunday, dropping a 3-2 heartbreaker in 10 innings followed by a 1-0 pitcher's duel as the two programs concluded a four-game series. 

Chadron State got runners on, but couldn't find the big hit in either game. In the opener, the Eagles recorded six hits and worked five walks but only managed solitary runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Eagles stranded the bases loaded in the seventh and left two runners on in the eighth.

Despite being shutout by Cowgirl pitching in the series finale, the Eagles still racked up five hits. Chadron State made several outs on the bases in game two, with two baserunners caught stealing, a 5-4-2 double play on a safety squeeze attempt and a line drive double play that ended a threat in the fifth. 

After two wins yesterday, New Mexico Highlands has swept the four-game series over the Eagles despite only winning the four matchups by a combined six runs. The Eagles are now 2-15 overall and 2-6 in the RMAC while New Mexico Highlands has improved to 6-14 overall and 4-4 in conference play. 

Belle Akins pitched valiantly in game one, throwing all 9.1 innings before the Cowgirls found a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 10^th. Akins allowed traffic, giving up 11 hits, but buckled down to allow just three runs over her nine-plus innings pitched. The sophomore struck out five batters, and four of the five were for the final out of the inning. 

In game two, McKenna Sides earned the start, but head coach Skye Koehl made a quick first-inning change after a lead-off single and three consecutive two-out walks forced home a run. In came Brynn Trujillo, who struck out the first batter she faced to strand the bases loaded in the first inning. Trujillo would pitch the rest of the game, throwing 5.1 shutout innings while allowing just five hitters and striking out five total batters. 

The Eagles had a scoring chance in the bottom of the first when an error and a wild pitch put leadoff hitter Charley Pitrat on third with nobody out. Katelynn Czerpak laid down a bunt, but pushed it up the third base line, making Pitrat freeze. Pitrat tried to break for the plate after NMNU's throw to first to get Czerpak, but the relay throw was quick enough to get both runners for a double play. 

Offensively, Brogan Allen went 2-for-3 in game two to be the only Eagle with a multi-hit game. Allen added another single in the opening game while Pitrat, Lani Davis and Brianna Cordray each had one hit in each game. 

The Eagles are scheduled to play at home for the first time this season with a four-game series against UCCS on March 7-8.