MANSFIELD, Texas — MSU Denver softball dropped a 10–3 decision to Lewis on Sunday morning, falling to 1–3 on the young season. 

The Roadrunners battled early and stayed within striking distance through four innings, but a six-run fifth inning swung momentum as Lewis pulled away. MSU Denver will now return home next weekend for its home opener against Montana State Billings.

Lewis struck first in the opening inning, but the Roadrunners answered in the third to tie the game. Mackenzie Pearson ignited the rally with a single, moved into scoring position, and later crossed the plate on Janessa Esquibel's fielder's choice to even the score at 1–1. MSU Denver stayed competitive through the middle frames before Lewis broke things open with a six-run fifth, followed by three more runs in the sixth.

Cheyenne Prieto provided the biggest offensive spark for the Roadrunners, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs, both coming on a clutch single in the sixth inning. Esquibel went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, while Pearson made the most of her first collegiate at-bats, going 1-for-2 with two runs scored and a walk. Victoria Pearson also added a hit as MSU Denver totaled five hits on the day.

In the circle, Samantha Mader earned the start for MSU Denver and worked 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out four. Natalie Romero followed in relief and surrendered three runs, while Brooklyn Levin allowed three runs over an inning of work. Kianna Butler closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning. Lewis' Jolee Strohmeyer went the distance to earn the win, allowing three runs while striking out seven.

The Roadrunners will look to bounce back as they return to Denver for their home opener next weekend against Montana State Billings.