February 16, 2024

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – NAIA's nationally ranked No. 15 Northwestern (Iowa) used a fast start Friday to defeat Dakota State (S.D.) 12-0 in five innings in the American State Bank Sports Complex Dome Tournament, hosted by Dordt (Iowa).  The Red Raiders held the Trojans to three singles in the game.

Dakota State was playing their season opener.  Northwestern remained undefeated this season, extending their winning streak to eight games for an overall record of 8-0.

The Trojans are seeking their first win of the season as they face another opponent from the Great Plains Athletic Conference, Briar Cliff (Iowa) at 4 p.m.

(15) Northwestern (Iowa) 12, Dakota State (S.D.) 0 – FINAL/5 innings

Mackenzie Sims earned the first hit of the game in the opening inning and was unable to convert their scoring opportunity for Dakota State.
Northwestern poured in six runs in the bottom half of the first inning, highlighted by Randi Childress' 2-RBI triple.  The Red Raiders led 6-0 after the first inning.

There was no score in the second inning, despite a lead-off walk by Rosie Philop in the top half of frame for DSU.  Ally Morrissey added a lead-off single in the top third inning for the Trojans.

Kameryn Etherington capped NWIA's five-run production in the bottom third with a 2-run home run, ballooning their lead to 11-0.  The Red Raiders added a run in the bottom fourth frame to make it 12-0.

Dakota State left bases full in the top fifth inning when the game ended, securing the victory for Northwestern.

The Red Raiders outhit the Trojans 11-3 in the game.  DSU committed four defensive errors compared to NWIA one error.

Sims, Morrissey, and Olivia Peterson each recorded a single for Dakota State.  Hannah McFarland produced a sacrifice bunt.  Philop had a walk.

Childress had two hits and drove in three runs for Northwestern.  Etherington and Gwen Mikkelsen each added two hits and two RBIs.  Maddie Kvatek and Jori Hajek each had a hit and two RBIs.

Maycee Bricker (L, 0-1) took the defeat in the pitching circle for DSU after tossing three innings.  Analicia Burgos worked the fourth inning in relief, giving up an unearned run.

Etherington (W, 5-0) tossed a complete game victory for NWIA.  She yielded the Trojans to three hits and registered five strikeouts.