March 6, 2017
Photo credits by Scott Voigt
TUCSON, Ariz. – The Dakota State University (S.D.) softball team kicked off their 12-game stretch in the Tucson (Ariz.) Invitational Monday morning at Lincoln Park North. Aquinas (Mich.) used a pair of offensive explosions to defeat the Trojans 13-3 in five innings.
Dakota State fell to 7-6 overall record, while Aquinas remained undefeated this season with an overall record of 6-0.
The Saints plated five runs to open up a 5-0 lead in the bottom first inning, highlighted by Ellie Adams' 3-run home run.
DSU scored once in the top second frame to cut the Saints' lead to 5-1. Tatum Ronke reached on base by an error caused by AC's defensive miscue. Emma Marsh followed that up with a single and advanced Ronke to second base. Kaity Barnes hit a fly out to right field as Ronke ran to third base after the fly ball.
Peyton Brokiewicz smashed an RBI double to score Ronke as the Trojans trailed by four runs in the top second inning.
Aquinas used another offensive outburst in the bottom third inning with six runs scored, ballooning their lead to 11-1. The Saints produced three doubles in the innings from Brooke Senkbeil, Anna Kenny and Adams.
Dakota State scored once in the top fourth inning, thanks to back-to-back doubles by Ronke and Marsh. Marsh produced an RBI double to score Ronke as DSU trailed 11-2.
The Saints scored twice in the bottom half of the fourth inning to make it 13-2.
DSU's Nicole Stewart blasted a solo home run in the top fifth inning, but could not extend the game as AC secured the game in five innings.
Marsh and Brokiewicz each recorded a double, single and an RBI for the Trojans. Ronke had a double. Stewart added a home run and an RBI. Jasmin Lucero, Barnes and Kailee McFadden each had a hit.
Adams led the Saints with two hits and drove in three runs. Andrea Deneweth went 3-of-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Senkbeil, Kenny and Alex Forsythe each added two hits.
AC outhit DSU 12-9 in the game. The Trojans committed six defensive errors while the Saints had one defensive miscue. Dakota State left six runners on base compared to Aquinas with five runners left on base.
Audrey Kosman (L, 1-3) took the loss in the pitching circle after tossing the first two outs of the game for DSU. She gave up five runs (two unearned) on two hits. Kelly Drake pitched 3 1/3 innings in relief and allowed eight runs (one unearned) on 10 hits.
Mandy Rosol (W, 4-0) earned the victory after working for 3 1/3 innings. She limited the Trojans to two runs (one unearned) on eight hits. Marisa Loya tossed 1 2/3 innings in relief, giving up one run on one hit.
Dakota State will play an exhibition game versus Douglas (B.C.) in the second game of the day Monday. The Trojans look to bounce back in the winning column in the afternoon versus Madonna (Mich.). Both games will be held at Lincoln Park North Field #8.
Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director
