DECORAH, Iowa - The University of Dubuque softball team were swept for the first time in conference play on Wednesday afternoon. The Spartans lost a pair of one run games to the Luther College Norse. UD lost in extra innings in the opener by a final 8-7 in eight innings, in the second contest UD fell 2-1 to the host Norse.

UD scored seven runs after compiling 10 hits in game one, Luther scored eight runs off 14 hits and committed three errors. In the second game, the Spartans were held to a run after seven hits and committed one error. Luther scored runs in the first and second innings off four hits in the game and made two errors.

Kaitlyn Powell let the offense in the opener after going 4-5 with a double in her at bats with an RBI. Lauren Jacobs was 2-3 at the plate and a homerun to centerfield for two RBI's. Grace Stevenson doubled in the fourth and scored two RBI's. Ally Gullette started the game and threw seven innings while allowing seven earned runs, four strikeouts, and faced 37 batters. Miranda Saylor took the loss in the eighth allowing one hit after facing four batters. The game ended with two outs after the Norse scored on a single to centerfield.

In the second contest, Kaitlyn Powell was 2-3 and teammate Megan Leick was 2-4. Bella Allison stole the Spartans lone stolen base. Ciaran Rigby pitched six innings and struck out two after facing 28 batters in the loss.

The Spartans will host Beloit College on Thursday, April 17, weather permitting. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the area on Thursday, the scheduled first pitch is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. at UD Softball Field