SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Offensive struggles were the story of the day on Saturday, as College of Saint Mary lost 3-1 to Valley City State (N.D.) University and 12-1 in five innings to Bellevue University in the Dordt Tournament at the American State Bank Sports Complex.

The Flames, who dropped to 2-4 on the softball season, were within striking distance of a comeback victory in the opener.

Trailing 3-0 entering the top of the seventh, they rallied with two outs and nobody on. Morgan Hensch walked and took second on Kayla Reed's single. Ella Watts singled home Adelia Dunlap, who was pinch-running for Hensch, and Reed scampered to third.

Shaylynn Campbell then walked to load the bases, meaning the Flames were within a bases-clearing double of the lead. However, a groundout to first ended the rally and the game.

"It was a pitcher's duel,'' CSM Coach Carolyn Todd Bray said. "Their pitcher threw a great game. I thought we were prepared for what we were going to see from her, but we couldn't execute the plan. We struck out way too many times. That was disappointing when we knew what pitches we were going to see.''

Maddy Hazelton scattered five hits and struck out 12 while walking four to get the win. Campbell struck out four and walked four, surrendering six hits in six solid innings of work.

Watts went 3 for 4 along with driving in CSM's lone run.

"Great game by Shay on the mound,'' Bray said. "Great job by our leadoff hitter, Ella. We also had a good relay out with Kayla Reed, Makenna Earnest and Kayla Kitzman.''

In the second game, all nine of Bellevue's starters collected at least one hit in a 15-hit attack. It got away from the Flames in the third inning when the Bruins scored four to expand their lead to 6-0. Bellevue added six more in the fifth.

"We got beat in all three areas of the game – hitting, pitching and defense,'' Bray said. "We struggled to score runs today.''

Seven different Flames had one hit apiece in the second game, with Watts again driving in the lone run.

"Maycee Hays had an excellent day behind the plate,'' Bray noted. "She had a big out on a suicide bunt that she just picked it up and tagged the runner out herself. She also did really well blocking the plate.''

CSM returns to the indoor facility at Dordt on Sunday, Feb. 22, when it faces Mayville State (N.D.) University at 3 p.m.

"We need to get to work,'' Bray said. "We need to make improvements this week.''