NATCHITOCHES, La. — The Sam Houston State softball team fell 8-0 in five innings to Northwestern State to close out the Southland Conference opening series at Lady Demon Diamond Saturday.
 
The Lady Demons (15-7 overall, 3-0 in SLC) scored four runs in the third and four more in the fourth to put the run rule into effect and complete the sweep of the Bearkats (9-15, 0-3).
 
Sam Houston State loaded the bases in the top of the fourth when junior Sheridan Fisher and senior Tiffany Thompson hit back-to-back one-out singles, and sophomore Regan Dunn reached on a two-out infield single. The Kats couldn't string together another hit to get on the board.
 
Dunn took the loss in the circle, allowing two earned runs and 2 2/3 innings. She issued six walks and gave up three hits.
 
Senior Karina Sanchez allowed four unearned runs in 1 1/3 inning in relief.
 
The Bearkats head to Louisiana-Lafayette for a nonconference doubleheader Wednesday at 4 p.m.