There are very few easy marks when the NCAA playoffs begin, and fourth-seeded Gustavus proved to be a tough challenge for top-seeded Central in the Regional softball opener in Pella. The Gusties sent the Dutch into the losers bracket with a 3-2 victory in eight innings yesterday afternoon. Gustavus broke in front with single runs in the first and third innings, before the Dutch tied it 2-2 with an RBI double by Abbey Strajack in the third and an RBI singe by Katie Canney in the fourth. Central had a chance to take the lead in the fifth when Tabitha Taylor led off with a double, and her pinch runner Shannon Coulson stood at second base with nobody out. Unfortunately, Coach George Wares’ club couldn’t find a way to get her home. The game remained 2-2 into extra innings, when Gustavus got back-to-back one out doubles to take a 3-2 lead, and Central went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the eighth to end the game. The Dutch drop to 30-10 on the season, and will face elimination today at 1:30 against Fontbonne, who also lost yesterday in extra innings, 1-0 to Aurora. You can hear the game live on 92.1 KRLS and www.kniakrls.com.