OXFORD, Miss. - The Nicholls State University softball team battled back from an early 4-0 deficit against Murray State to tie the game in the sixth inning, but the Racers scored five in the bottom half as the Colonels were defeated 9-4 in Sunday's finale of the Ole Miss Classic.

Nicholls (7-13) outhit Murray State in the loss, 9-8, but two walks and a fielder's choice in the first inning made way for an Erin Lackey grand slam.

The Colonels plated three of their runs in the third. Erin Krause had an RBI on a fielder's choice, Riley Rutherford singled for a run and Laylin Sturm capped the inning with an RBI double down the left field line.

In the sixth, Reagan Heflin tripled and scored on an error to tie the game at 4-4. But Murray State answered in the bottom half with a solo shot by Ailey Schyck and it sparked a five-run inning. The Colonels were retired in order in the seventh. 

Molly Yoo took the loss with five runs allowed on five hits in 4.1 innings. Only two of the runs were earned as Nicholls finished with two errors. Molly VandenBout made the start, lasting 1.1 innings with four earned on two hits.

VandenBout had two hits for the offense and Carmella Muccilli also had two. 

ON DECK
Nicholls will open up Southland Conference play on the road at Stephen F. Austin next weekend, starting with Friday doubleheader at 4 p.m.