Kansas’ softball team split a pair of games Friday at the Cardinal Classic in Beaumont, Texas.

KU (8-4) defeated South Dakota State, 8-0, before falling to Northern Illinois, 3-2.

Sophomore Alexis Reid pitched a three-hit shutout against South Dakota State, striking out three without allowing a walk.

“Alexis threw really well today,” KU coach Megan Smith said. “I felt like she was poised and hit her spots really well. It is great to see her put some of these zeros on the board.”

Second baseman Madison Sykes went 2-for-2, scored two runs and drove in another. Jessie Roane had three RBIs, and Sarah Miller drove in two.

“To me, Madison Sykes was a huge plus that game,” Smith said. “She was 2-for-2, drew two walks and played great defense. She just had a really good game all-around.

“Our batters are learning from each at-bat. Whatever mistakes they make in their first at-bat, they know that is what they need to work on in the second at-bat and they have a better plan. (Associate head coach John Rittman) works with them on those plans and they are just more focused. I think we created a lot of opportunities, we had great fight and bounced back from last weekend for this game.”

South Dakota St. 000 000 — 0 3 2

Kansas 005 012 — 8 9 1

W — Alexis Reid (4-1). L — Abby Deane (0-4).

2B — Harli Ridling, KU.

KU highlights — Jessie Roane 1-for-4, 3 RBIs; Taylor Dodson 2-for-4; Erin McGinley 2-for-4, RBI; Madison Sykes 2-for-2, 2 RBIs, 2 runs; Sarah Miller 1-for-1, 2 RBIs.

Kansas 000 010 1 — 2 6 2

Northern Illinois 000 000 3 — 3 5 2

W — Alex Frenz (2-0). L — Mandy Roberts (1-3).

2B — Erin McGinley, KU.