February 19, 2017
ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dakota State erased a 1-0 early deficit to long-time rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) Sunday afternoon at the Presentation Dome. The Trojans scored seven straight unanswered runs, including a four-run offensive explosion in the seventh inning, to defeat the Tigers by the score of 7-1.
Dakota State improved their overall record to 2-2, and 2-0 record versus the Tigers this season. Dakota Wesleyan lost their seventh straight game, dropping their overall record to 1-7. The Tigers finished the day by going 0-3 record after losing to North Star Athletic Association's foes Jamestown (N.D.) and Dickinson State (N.D.).
Amber Budmark hit a solo home run with one out in the bottom first inning to give DWU a 1-0 early lead.
Dakota State got on board in the top third inning. Peyton Brokiewicz reached on base by a fielder's choice and swiped to second base. Kayla Schmell grounded out to third base, but Brokiewicz scored caused by DWU's defensive miscue on the same play as the Trojans knotted the game at 1-1.
DSU earned their first lead in the top fourth inning, scoring a run with two outs. Tatum Ronke reached on base by a walk, followed by Emma Marsh's single to advance Ronke to third base. Kelly Drake produced an RBI double to score Ronke for DSU's 2-1 lead.
The Trojans made it 3-1 in the top fifth frame caused by DWU's defensive error. Brokiewicz was able to score after the Tigers committed a wild pitch.
Dakota Wesleyan led off the bottom sixth inning with a double by Melsia Ortega, but the Trojans prevented the Tigers to score after leaving the runner at third base.
Dakota State exploded for four runs in the top seventh inning. Kailee McFadden and Brokiewicz kicked off the inning with back-to-back singles (McFadden advanced to third after Brokiewicz's single). Kayla Schmell produced an RBI ground out to score McFadden as DSU's lead grew to 4-1.
The Trojans made it 5-1 after Nicole Stewart hit an RBI single to score Brokiewicz in the top seventh, while Jasmin Lucero followed up with a double to advance Stewart to third.
Ronke hit a 2-RBI single to score Stewart and Lucero to as Dakota State widen their lead to 7-1 in the top seventh inning.
DWU went three-and-out in the bottom seventh inning, securing the victory for the Trojans.
Ronke was 2-of-3 at the plate with a triple, single and drove in two runs for Dakota State. Stewart added two hits and an RBI. Lucero and Drake each had a double. Brokiewicz, Marsh and McFadden each recorded a single. Schmell and Drake each registered an RBI.
Brokiewicz and Ronke each swiped one base for DSU.
Budmark went 2-of-3 at the plate with a home run, single and an RBI for Dakota Wesleyan. Ortega had a double. Andrea Konz and Elise Sutherland each recorded a single.
DSU outhit DWU 9-5 in the game. The Trojans left six runners on base while the Tigers had five runners left on base.
Drake (W, 1-1) earned the victory after tossing six innings in relief for the Trojans. Audrey Kosman started the game after giving up a run in the first inning. Drake limited the Tigers to four hits and recorded four strikeouts.
Sierra Haage (L, 0-2) took the loss in the pitching circle for the Tigers. She worked for five innings and gave up three runs (one unearned) on four hits. She recorded six strikeouts. Lorissa Loeppky tossed two innings in relief and allowed four runs on five hits.
Both DSU and DWU will meet again in April 11 in a non-conference doubleheader at Thue Softball Complex in Madison, S.D.
The Trojans play their second game of the day as they take on York (Neb.) in the Presentation (S.D.) Softball Dome Tournament.
Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director
