February 17, 2023
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Northwestern (Iowa) used a six-run production in the third inning to hand Dakota State (S.D.) their softball season-opening 7-1 setback on the first day of the Dordt (Iowa) Dome Tournament. The two-day tournament is hosted by Dordt at American State Bank Sports Complex.
Dakota State fell to 0-1 overall record. Northwestern of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) remained undefeated this season with an overall record of 9-0.
The Trojans play another GPAC foe in the second game, facing the host-team Dordt at 2 p.m.
Northwestern (Iowa) 7, Dakota State (S.D.) 1 – FINAL
- Both teams were scoreless after the first two innings of the game.
- The Red Raiders poured in six runs in the top third inning, sparked by Jennifer Boeve's 2-RBI single for 2-0 lead.
- Emily Strasser and Chloe Gallegos hit back-to-back RBI singles to extend NWIA's lead to 4-0 in the top third.
- Maddie Kvatek wrapped up the top third frame with a 2-RBI single to balloon the Red Raiders' lead to 6-0.
- Dakota State recorded its first hit of the game in the bottom fifth inning after Michelle Evdos hit a lead-off single. The Trojans were unable to convert their scoring chances.
- Rosie Philop led off the bottom sixth frame with a single for DSU. Hannah McFarland drilled a two-out RBI triple to score Rebecca Hazlett for Trojans' first run of the game, trailing 6-1.
- Cassidy Gors produced an RBI single in the top seventh inning, extending their lead to 7-1.
- DSU left a runner on base in the bottom half of the seventh inning, despite a double from Grace Ortmeier.
- The Red Raiders outhit the Trojans 10-4 in the game.
- McFarland sparked Dakota State with a triple and an RBI. Ortmeier added a double. Evdos and Philop each added a single.
- Strasser had two singles and an RBI for Northwestern. Boeve and Maddie Kvatek each added a single and drove in two runs. Gallegos and Gors each recorded a single and an RBI. Madysn Grotewold, Addison Binde, and Ashtyn Billings each registered a hit.
- NWIA left four runners on base compared to DSU two runners left on base.
- Ortmeier (L, 0-1) took the setback in the pitching circle for Dakota State, tossing 2 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on six hits. Philop worked for 4 2/3 innings in relief, yielding one run on four hits.
- Kate Kralik (W, 3-0) tossed a complete game victory for Northwestern. She limited the Trojans to one run on four hits and recorded ten strikeouts.
Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director