FARGO, North Dakota – The Omaha softball team delivered a valiant effort before a three-run home run in the top of the seventh by South Dakota State's Abbey Murphy dashed the Mavericks hopes 4-3 in the Summit League Softball Championship on Friday at the Ellig Sports Complex.

The Mavericks finished their season with a record of 20-31 while the Jackrabbits advance to the Summit League Championship game with a record of 34-15. They will play top-seeded North Dakota State in the finals. 

Omaha took the early lead in the bottom of the second. Emma Dargy led off with a single and moved to second in Jessica Nelson's sac bunt. Crystal Pablo then delivered a two-out single to left to score Dargy and give the Mavericks a 1-0 advantage. 

South Dakota State drew even in the top of the third. Julia Andersen reached on a two-out double and scored on Ali Herdliska's single.

Emily Klosterman put Omaha back on top with a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth. 

Two innings later Klosterman led off the bottom of the sixth with a double, then  Natalie Mostek laced a two-out RBI single to put Omaha ahead 3-1. 

Klosterman finished 2-for-4 with a double, home run, RBI and scored two RBI, while Dargy went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Madison Hope (21-7) picked up the complete-game win, allowing three runs on 12 hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Laura Roecker (2-8) took the loss, allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

GAME NOTES

• Emma Dargy, Aubrey Hacke and Jessica Nelson earned spots on the Summit League All-Tournament Team.
• Four Omaha seniors finished their careers in Fargo: Nelson, Crystal Pablo, Kelly Pattison and Kylie Schwarting.
• Pattison made her 186th career start on Friday, ranking her 22nd all-time.
• Pattison finished her career in the top 25 in six different offensive categories, including home runs (11th), hits (17th) and slugging pct. (19th).