February 11, 2018

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) opened up their 2018 softball campaign with a 3-0 opening lead over long-time rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) Sunday afternoon at the Presentation (S.D.) Softball Dome Tournament.  Despite DSU's fast start, the Tigers went on to score nine unanswered runs to earn a 9-3 victory over the Trojans.  DWU is 1-3 overall record after the game.

The Trojans plated three runs in the bottom first inning.  Taylor Poe reached on base by a walk with one out.  Nicole Stewart followed up by reaching first base safely caused by DWU's miscue, advancing Poe to third base.  Jasmin Lucero recorded an RBI double to score Poe for DSU's 1-0 lead (Stewart advanced to third base).

Peyton Brokiewicz added a 2-RBI double with two outs to score Stewart and Lucero, extending Trojans' lead to 3-0.

Dakota Wesleyan broke their scoring drought with four runs scored in the top third inning.  With bases loaded and one out situation for the Tigers, Melysia Ortega recorded an RBI hit-by-pitch for DWU's first run of the game.  Amber Budmark added an RBI walk, followed by Sierra Haage's 2-RBI with two outs for their first lead of the game at 4-3.

The Tigers added two runs in the top fourth frame as their lead grew to 6-3.  DWU made it 7-3 in the top fifth with an RBI sacrifice fly by Paige Kinley.

Dakota Wesleyan produced two runs for a 9-3 lead in the top seventh inning with an RBI single by Alexis Konda and an RBI double by Andriana Sprakel. 

DWU outhit DSU 11-3 in the game.  The Tigers left eight runners on base while the Trojans had three runners left on base.

Brokiewicz had a double and drove in two runs for Dakota State.  Lucero added a double and an RBI.  Tatum Ronke had a hit.  Poe, Stewart and Lucero each scored a run.

Sprakel registered four hits, scored twice, swiped one base and produced an RBI for Dakota Wesleyan.  Konda added three hits, three runs and an RBI.  Haage was 2-of-4 at the plate with two RBIs.

Xitlali Lopez (L, 0-1) took the loss in the pitching circle for DSU.  She tossed five innings and allowed seven runs (three unearned) on six hits.  She struck out four DWU's batters.  Kelly Drake pitched two innings in relief and gave up two runs on five hits.

Haage (W, 1-1) tossed a complete game victory for DWU.  She limited DSU to three runs (one unearned) on three hits.  She recorded seven strikeouts.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director