Box Score TROY, Ala. – Despite a powerful spark in the fourth and fifth innings to tie the game, the Northwestern State softball team dropped a 12-7 decision to Middle Tennessee State Sunday afternoon in the final day of the Troy Subway Invitational at the Troy Softball Complex.

The Lady Demons dipped to 1-4 overall as the Blue Raiders (1-4) picked up their first win of the season.

"This was another tough one for us," said sixth-year head coach Donald Pickett. "We had some good offense in the fourth and fifth innings, but weren't able to hold Middle Tennessee from scoring. We faced some very good teams, and can only use this weekend as a learning experience."

The Blue Raiders sent seven runners across the plate in the third inning off five hits and one NSU error to build a lead. Northwestern State began to break into that lead in the fourth inning. Brittany Virgoe led off by reaching first on an error, and moved to second when Brianna Rodriguez was walked.

With no outs, Cassandra Barefield ripped her second home run of the season to bring the Lady Demons within four. The next three batters were unable to get on base.

In the fifth, NSU loaded the bases with the first three batters and drew Virgoe in the lineup. The Anaheim, Calif., native put the ball on the ground and was out at first, but allowed pinch runner Tashana Triplett to score.

Rodriguez was walked once again to bring up Barefield, who singled and advanced to second on an error from catcher Laura Dukes, allowing two runs to score. Trailing by one, Kayla Boening pinch ran for Rodriguez as Kellye Kincannon stepped up. Kincannon grounded out to second base, but the fielder's choice allowed Boening to score and tie the game at seven.

Middle Tennessee did not hesitate to answer the Lady Demons as five runners would score off three hits and another NSU error to take a 12-7 lead in the bottom of the fifth.

NSU was unable to get on base in the sixth, and left two on in the seventh, allowing the Blue Raiders to come away with the win.

Barefield led from the plate going 3-3 and picking up four RBI, followed by McKenney and Jones posting 1-3 performances.

Freshman Shelby Sells noted the start from the circle, throwing 2.2 innings and striking out four before Kaylee Guidry (0-1) stepped in for 1.2 innings. Skylar Cagle and Baylee Gray combined for the final 1.2 innings.

The Lady Demons open their home schedule on Friday as they host Mississippi Valley State at five o'clock at the Lady Demon Softball Complex.