April 10, 2024

YANKTON, S.D. – Mount Marty (S.D.) used a six-run second inning in both games Tuesday evening, rolling to 8-0 five-inning and 8-1 victories over Dakota State (S.D.) in the non-conference doubleheader at North-East Sertoma Park. 

The Trojans fell to 5-22 overall record.  The Lancers improved their overall record to 14-16.

Dakota State looks to snap their losing skid as they return to the North Star Athletic Association action Saturday and Sunday.  The Trojans visit Viterbo (Wis.) in a four-game series at Viterbo Outdoor Athletic Complex in La Crosse, Wis.  The doubleheader starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday.

Game 1 – Mount Marty (S.D.) 8, Dakota State (S.D.) 0 – FINAL/5 innings

Hannah McFarland led off the game with a single and swiped to second base for Dakota State.  The Trojans were unable to convert their scoring opportunity as they left two runners on base (Michelle Evdos was hit by pitch).

Mount Marty scored twice in the bottom half of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead.

The Lancers poured in six runs in the bottom second inning, highlighted by a base clearing 3-RBI triple from Autumn Porter.  MMU led 8-0 after two innings.

Mount Marty secured the victory in the fifth inning.  The Lancers outhit the Trojans 5-1 in the game.  DSU committed three defensive errors compared to MMU zero defensive miscue.

McFarland led Dakota State with a single and a stolen base.

Porter collected a triple, single, and drove in three runs for Mount Marty.  She swiped two bases.  Olivia Valdez added a single and an RBI.  Abby Johnson and Raegan Harper each registered a single. Reese Peterson had an RBI and a walk.

Delaney Barrett (L, 4-8) took the setback in the pitching circle for DSU.  She pitched 1 1/3 innings.  Mason Usselman worked for 2 2/3 innings in relief, yielding MMU to one run on one hit.

McKenzie Gray (W, 6-6) earned the victory after pitching a one-hitter in three innings for MMU.  Madison Kovar pitched two shutout innings in relief.

Game 2 – Mount Marty (S.D.) 8, Dakota State (S.D.) 1 – FINAL

Dakota State grabbed the first lead of the game in the second game of the doubleheader.  McFarland led off with a walk and advanced to second base after MMU's passed ball.  She advanced to third base after Gabriella Ortega-Alves' ground out.

Roanna Riggins reached safely on first base after Mount Marty's defensive error, allowing McFarland to score for a 1-0 DSU lead in the top first.

The Lancers answered with a pair of runs with two outs caused by DSU's defensive error, taking a 2-1 lead.

Mount Marty poured in six runs in the bottom second inning, thanks to 2-RBI triple by Kayleen Jacinto, followed by an RBI single by Megan Toplovich.  Sami Noble added a 2-RBI double to balloon the Lancers' lead to 8-1.

The Lancers recorded five hits in the game compared to the Trojans one hit.  MMU left six runners on base while DSU had four runners left on base.

Quincy Hartley drilled a double for Dakota State.  McFarland, Roanna Riggins, and Torrence Clelland each recorded a walk. 

Jacinto led Mount Marty with a triple and two RBIs.  Toplovich added two singles and an RBI.  Noble had a double and two RBIs.  Elisabeth McGill had a single, walk, and two runs scored.

Jada Brown (L, 1-3) recorded the defeat after working for 1 1/3 innings for DSU.  Barrett tossed two scoreless outs.  Maycee Bricker pitched four shutout innings in relief, limiting the Lancers to one hit.

Makayla Graunke (W, 5-5) earned the victory for Mount Marty.  Jacey Hayen pitched four scoreless innings in relief.