COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The Binghamton softball team (7-8) lost 8-4 to North Dakota State (15-11) on Friday afternoon in the opening day of the Maryland Invitational. The Bison entered the game receiving votes in both national polls (NFCA and ESPN).
 
The Bearcats had a 4-1 lead entering the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophomore first baseman Kate Richard homered in the top of the first inning and junior outfielder Gabby Bracchi stroked a two-run single in the fourth inning.
 
The Bison, however, turned the game around with six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and added an insurance run one inning later. Binghamton committed three errors during the fatal fifth inning.
 
Katie Thun was the winning pitcher in her first decision of the year. Sophomore pitcher Sarah Miller was tagged with the loss, dropping to 5-5.
 
Bracchi and sophomore outfielder Jessica Rutherford each finished with two hits.
 
Binghamton is scheduled to face UMass at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Boston University at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday as play continues at the Maryland Invitational.