March 8, 2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Madonna (Mich.) outscored Dakota State (S.D.) 7-1 after the second inning, breaking a 1-1 tie for an 8-2 victory Friday morning in the Tucson (Ariz.) Softball Invitational at Lincoln Park.

Dakota State fell to 2-6 overall record after the setback.  Madonna raised their overall record to 16-5.

The Crusaders scored first after a defensive error by the Trojans in the opening inning, grabbing an 1-0 lead.

Xitlali Lopez answered with a lead-off home run in the top second frame as DSU knotted the game at 1-1.  It was her second home run of the season.

MU plated two runs in the bottom half of the third inning, thanks to Amy Clegg's triple to score Kerstyn Comerzn who hit a fielder's choice (MU led 2-1).  The Crusaders added a run caused by DSU's defensive error, extending their lead to 3-1.

Madonna added four runs and produced four hits to widen their lead to 7-1 in the bottom fourth. 

The Trojans scored once in the top fifth with a pair of doubles by Sarah Torres and Melissa Krapf.  Krapf produced an RBI to score Torres as DSU trailed 7-2.

The Crusaders answered back with a run scored in the bottom fifth after Clegg's RBI double to make it 8-2.

Dakota State was unable to convert their scoring chances in the final inning with two runners left on base, securing the win for Madonna.

Lopez went 2-of-3 at the plate with a home run, single and an RBI for DSU.  Krapf added a double, single and drove in a run.  Torres had a double and single.  Nicole Stewart had two singles.

Clegg led the Crusaders with a triple, double and produced two RBIs.  Brooklyn Dolloff added a hit and two RBIs.  Becky Giacobbi registered two hits and two RBIs.  Jordan Johnson had two singles.  Sarah Holton, Comerzan, Yogi Hang and Jenna Gilbert each had a hit.

Madonna outhit Dakota State 11-8 in the game.  The Trojans committed four defensive errors compared to the Crusaders' one error.  MU left 11 runners on base while DSU had seven runners left on base.

Annalisa Ingui (L, 0-2) recorded the loss, despite tossing a complete game for DSU.  She gave up eight runs (two unearned) on 11 hits and recorded three strikeouts.

Ciera Jones (W, 7-1) pitched a complete game victory for MU.  She allowed two runs on eight hits and struck out four Trojans' batters.

Dakota State plays Concordia (Neb.) Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.  The game will be at Lincoln Park.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director