SAN MARCOS --  Nicholls State ended Sam Houston State's 2008 softball season with a 2-1 victory over the Bearkats in the first round of the Southland Conference tournament.

Danielle Clayton hit an RBI double in the third inning and Rachel Pugh had an RBI singled in the sixth inning to account for the Colonels' two runs.

Sam Houston rallied for a run in the top of the seventh and had runners on first and second base with two outs, but could not get the tying run across.

Brandi Crnkovic took the loss in the pitching circle. With one out in the bottom of the third, Kat Harrell and Kodi Butler had back-to-back singles to left field and Danielle Clayton doubled to right center to score Harrell. Morgan. Mikulin replaced Crnkovic in the pitching circle and retired the next two batters to end the inning with Sam Houston down 1-0.

Sam Houston put runners in scoring position with two outs in the sixth inning. With two outs, Mikulin was safe on an error and Amy Brown singled to center field. But Amanda Lindsey grounded out to third base to end the threat.

Nicholls added a second run in the sixth inning. Nicole Smith was safe on an error, then scored on a single by Rachel Pugh to put the Colonels up 2-0.

Casie Everitt led off the top of the seventh with a single. Janaye Richardson was safe on a fielders choice as Everitt was throw out at second. She advanced to second on a ground out. Alex Survant walked to put runners on first and second. But Tanya Hooser struck out to end the game.

 Nicholls State totaled their two runs on six hits and three Bearkat errors. Colonel pitcher Lacey Gros allowed Sam Houston only three hits in the first six innings. The Bearkats did not have a runner reach second base until the final inning.