CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Missouri State softball (11-25, 9-5 MVC) fell 4-1 in eight innings in the series finale at Northern Iowa (21-11, 9-3 MVC) here Sunday afternoon. 
 
In the rubber match of the series, the Bears and Panthers were locked in a pitcher's duel as this one need extra innings to decide a winner. 
 
The eighth inning broke up a scoreless tie as Northern Iowa knocked back-to-back doubles to post the first run of the game. Following the second double and a walk, the Panthers launched a three-run homer to right center field to extend the lead to 4-0. 
 
MoState came to the plate with one final chance to extend the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. After a couple of quick outs to begin the inning, Sidney McLaughlin kept the Bears alive with a solo shot to right center. But that's all Missouri State could manage as the UNI center fielder made a great grab for the final out of the game as the Bears fell 4-1. 
 
Prior to the eighth inning, neither team truly threatened as the two squads had just three runners reach second base combined. The Bears defense had another solid outing, committing just one error that didn't do any damage. Once again, McLaughlin had a great outing behind the plate, throwing out one Panther runner while picking off another one. 
 
In the circle, Swick put together an impressive performance despite taking the loss. She scattered seven hits across 7.0 innings pitched, while allowing two runs (zero earned) and striking out five Panthers. Emily Gerardy recorded a two-hit performance, while McLaughlin had the lone RBI for the Bears. 
 
Missouri State will return home on Tuesday, April 8 to host Southern Illinois. First pitch at Meador Park is set for 5:00 p.m. and the game will stream on ESPN+.