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RENO, Nev. – The Portland State softball team dropped its final game of the weekend by a score of 2-1 to the St. Mary's Gaels Sunday morning in Reno, Nev.
 
Vikings' starting pitcher Kristen Crawford set down the Gaels in order in the first two innings before giving up a one-out hit in the top of the third inning. The next batter reached on a fielder's choice and would eventually come around and score on a fielding error for the game's first run to put St. Mary's up 1-0.
 
St. Mary's added to its lead with a solo home run to straight away left field to lead off the top of the fourth to go up 2-0.
 
The Vikings were stymied offensively through the first four innings with just one runner reaching second base. Melissa Masters led off the bottom of the fifth with a walk and then moved to second on a passed ball. Two batters later she scored on an RBI single up the middle by Shae Nelson.
 
After giving up the home run in the fourth, Crawford faced the minimum over the final three innings. Unfortunately, the Vikings were unable to tie the game and fell 2-1. Crawford allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits over seven innings. She struck out four and did not allow a walk in the losing effort.
 
The Vikings will open Big Sky Conference play with a three-game set next weekend, March 21-22, at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex Field No. 4. Saturday's doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. PT with Sunday's series finale starting at 12 p.m.