MINOT, N.D. – Paige Pitlick (Sr., RHP, Jordan, Minn.) pitched a four-hit shutout as the University of Minnesota Crookston softball team opened the 2020 season with a 9-0 win over Bemidji State University. The game was played at the Air-Supported Dome in Minot, N.D. The offensive effort for the Golden Eagles was ignited by a two-run home run from Leah Macias (So., OF, West Covina, Calif.) in the second inning, and a two-run double from Alina Avalos (Fr., 1B/RHP, Riverside, Calif.) in the sixth frame.

The Golden Eagles move to 1-0 with Saturday's season-opening victory. Bemidji State falls to 0-2 on the season after losses to Minnesota Crookston and Minot State University. The Golden Eagles open up the season with a win for the first time since joining the NSIC in 1999.

Pitlick had an outstanding outing in the circle, going six innings with 10 strikeouts to just one walk, while allowing just four hits on the day. Pitlick earned the complete game shutout moving to 1-0 to open her senior season.

Minnesota Crookston tallied 13 hits at the plate as eight runs crossed home in the victory. The Golden Eagles were led at the plate by Malia Pula (Sr., UT, Gilroy, Calif.), who went 3-of-4 with two RBIs and one run scored. Leah Macias (So., OF, West Covina, Calif.) finished 2-of-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Gabriella Blomdahl (Fr., OF, Duluth, Minn.) had a strong collegiate debut, going 2-of-3 with one run scored. Jordan Peterson (R-So., UT, Lakeville, Minn.) went 2-of-4 with one RBI and one run scored.

Stephi Dullum suffered the loss for Bemidji State after allowing one run on two hits. Olivia Tucker also saw action, going four innings with five earned runs allowed on eight hits. Kyla Damerwo wrapped up the game for the Beavers, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on three hits.

Bemidji State was guided by Elaina Christiansen, who was 2-of-3 for the game. Grace Bragg and Sami Dullum each picked up a hit, as well.

Minnesota Crookston got on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning when Pula doubled to plate Mika Rodriguez (Sr., SS/2B, Laveen, Ariz.).

The Golden Eagles added to their tally with four runs in the top of the second. Leah Macias opened up the scoring with a two-run home run, driving in Alyssa Stillman (Fr., 2B/SS, Hortonville, Wis.). Minnesota Crookston continued the scoring as Peterson singled in Blomdahl to widen the lead to 4-0. To round out the scoring in the fourth, Pula singled in Peterson to extend the advantage to 5-0.

Minnesota Crookston added to their tally with two runs in the fifth frame. Leah Macias continued her big game with a triple to plate Avalos and extend the lead to 6-0. Leah Macias crossed the plate on a wild pitch to widen the gap to 7-0.

Avalos put the stamp on a big victory as she doubled in Cassie Querry (Jr., C, Cassville, Pa.) and Pula, helping Minnesota Crookston to a commanding 9-0 victory over Bemidji State.

The Golden Eagles will continue play on Sun., Feb. 9, as they take on Black Hills State University at 1 p.m., and Minot State University at 3 p.m., in Minot, N.D.