Fourth-seeded South Dakota State opened the 2019 Summit League Softball Championship run with a 4-2 victory over North Dakota Wednesday in Fargo.

The Jackrabbits (35-15) built a four-lead through the middle innings and held off a late charge for the Fighting Hawks, extending their season in a win-or-go-home contest.

South Dakota State will take on top-seeded North Dakota State Thursday at noon in the next round.

Second-seeded South Dakota opens play at the Summit League Tournament Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The Coyotes are competing against sixth-seeded Purdue Fort Wayne, who shocked third-seeded Western Illinois Wednesday in extra innings 7-5.

All four remaining teams compete in a double elimination tournament with the winner securing the Summit’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.