ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Northwest Nazarene University softball team hung tough for five innings in the opening game of their doubleheader Thursday against Dixie State.

But a costly error opened the floodgates and Dixie State took advantage winning the opener 13-5 in six innings and 7-0 in the nightcap.

"We played well in that first game," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "Offensively we were in tune and I think we hit well that entire first game.

"We just made a couple of errors and that pretty much cost us. We're playing with them and that team is so stinking good, you open the door and they will kick it in."

Lisa Sylvester was 1-for-1 with a solo home run and drove in three runs in the opener as NNU jumped out to a 4-3 lead on the No. 9 team in the country, but the defense couldn't hang on.

"I think we showed that when we are playing at our best we can compete with the No. 9 team in the country," Wagner said. "That is exciting. First day out in competition – that is a good start for this team."

In the second game, Dixie State starter Cambrie Hazel scattered three hits while pitching six scoreless innings.

Cassidy Fifield was 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base to lead the Nighthawks (0-2) offense.

"Our pitchers need to work on commanding the zone better," Wagner said. "As a group we need to work on making adjustments offensively throughout two games – and when the pressure is put on us, we need to rise to challenge it defensively."

NNU is back in action Friday, playing three games at the Desert Stinger Classic in Las Vegas.