May 4, 2024

DICKINSON, N.D. – All of the runs were scored in the third inning in the first loser's out game of the North Star Athletic Association Softball Postseason Tournament Saturday morning at Sanford Sports Complex, hosted by Dickinson State (N.D.).  No. 6 seed Waldorf (Iowa) edged No. 5 seed Dakota State (S.D.) by the score of 3-2.

Waldorf (10-28 overall record) moves on to another loser's out game at 7 p.m. (Central Time)/6 p.m. (Mountain Time) against the loser of Saturday winner's bracket contest between No. 3 seed Dickinson State (N.D.) and No. 2 seed Valley City State (N.D.).

Dakota State ended their season at 11-30 overall record.

[6] Waldorf (Iowa) 3, [5] Dakota State (S.D.) 2 - FINAL

After two scoreless innings, the Trojans scored the first runs in the top third frame.  Mackenzie Sims hit a two-out single followed by a 2-run home run blast by Michelle Evdos.

WU answered with three runs in the bottom third.  Gabby Bierly drilled a double with one out followed by Brooke Hickey's walk.  Kaela Eslinger smashed a 3-run home run as the Warriors took a 3-2 lead.

Either team was able to past first base for the rest of the game as Waldorf edged Dakota State.

Eslinger finished the game with a home run and drove in three runs for the Warriors.  Kyleigh Morris added two hits.  Haley Ehlert and Bierly each added a hit.

Maddie Dalke (W, 7 -11) tossed a complete game victory for Waldorf, giving up two runs on five hits.  She recorded four strikeouts.

Sims was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Trojans.  She had a double, single, and stolen base.  Evdos collected a home run and two RBIs. 

Delaney Barrett (L, 7-13) took the complete game setback for DS, allowing three runs on six hits.  Rosie Philop and Ally Morrissey each tallied a single.

It was the final career collegiate softball for four Trojans seniors Alexus Foster, Olivia Peterson, Philop, and Sims.