ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Northwest Nazarene softball team lost 5-1 on Thursday in the opening day of the Dixie State Courtyard Classic to Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Madison Strickler hit a solo home run and NNU had nine hits, but couldn't capitalize in the loss.

"We didn't make adjustments," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "They had a couple of big hits that pretty much decided the game. We talked about that you have to pay attention to the details because every pitch means something. They took advantage of a couple of pitches and we didn't."

Emma Mulligan was 2-for-4 with a double, while Strickler was 1-for-3. Ivy Hommel, Brittany Genuardi, Madison Felter, Maiai McNicoll, Rae Young and Dominique Trevino all added singles.

Tori Hensley suffered the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in 1.2 innings pitched. Sidney Booth allowed two runs on four hits in 4.1 innings of relief, walking none and striking out three. Jackie Vargas pitched a clean seventh.

"We prepared well today and I think they are ready to get back on the field right now," Wagner said. "(CSU's) pitcher did a really good job of sticking to their game plan, but tomorrow will be a completely different day when it comes to our offense."

The Nighthawks play Notre Dame de Namur at 3 p.m. and Hawai'I Hilo at 5:30 p.m. Friday.