DICKINSON, N.D. – Lacey Mathiowetz tossed a complete-game shutout and Lindsey Tulla delivered a three-run homer in the first inning as Mayville State defeated Bellevue (Neb.) 3-0 in the North Star Athletic Association Softball Tournament loser’s bracket Friday at North Softball Complex.

With the win, the Comets (11-37) eliminated Bellevue (29-21) from the NSAA postseason while advancing in the consolation bracket.

Mayville State capitalized on an early opportunity to take control of the contest. Mackenzie Hughes was hit by a pitch to lead off the top of the first and stole second. Mathiowetz reached on a fielding error by the pitcher, advancing Hughes to third. Tulla followed by sending a 1-0 pitch over the fence in left-center field, giving the Comets a quick 3-0 lead.

That would be all the run support Mathiowetz needed. The senior right-hander scattered five hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking three. She threw 97 pitches in the outing and worked out of several jams, leaving nine Bruins on base throughout the contest.

Bellevue’s best scoring threat came in the second inning when the Bruins loaded the bases with one out. After Miranda Garcia drew a walk and Savannah Short was hit by a pitch, Laila Fiscus singled to load the bases. A fielder’s choice by Kaitlyn Fisher cut down Garcia at the plate, and Katie Cunningham popped up to shortstop to end the inning.

The Bruins also left two runners aboard in the fifth, as Fisher and Cunningham collected back-to-back singles. Mathiowetz responded by striking out Breanne McMurtry and getting Mariah Unverzagt and Liana McMurtry to end the threat.

Mayville State’s offense was limited to four hits, but timely execution and solid base running helped generate early momentum. In addition to her home run, Tulla added a groundout and a popout. Hughes reached base twice, also recording a single and stealing two bases. Madison Terres doubled in the fourth and was stranded at third.

Cunningham started and went the distance for Bellevue, allowing four hits and three earned runs with seven strikeouts in seven innings of work. She threw 103 pitches and issued no walks, hitting one batter.

Five different Bruins recorded hits: Cunningham, Fisher, Sidel, Fiscus and Garcia. However, Bellevue was unable to produce a hit with runners in scoring position and left runners on base in five of seven innings.

Mayville State’s defense played error-free softball, highlighted by strong infield play from Terres at shortstop and Tulla at third. The Comets turned in multiple routine outs to back Mathiowetz, including a key fielder’s choice in the second to preserve the early lead.