March 11, 2025

YANKTON, S.D. – Mount Marty (S.D.) erupted for eight total runs combined in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to break a 2-2 tie for a 10-2 six-innings victory over Dakota State (S.D.) in the non-conference softball action Tuesday.  The single game was held at North-East Sertoma Park.

Dakota State fell to 3-16 overall record.  Mount Marty improved to 9-9 overall record.  They met for the third time this season and will meet again in mid-April at Thue Field.

The Trojans are on the road next Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader at Waldorf (Iowa).  The first game is set for 1 p.m. at Forest City High School softball field in Forest City, Iowa.

Mount Marty (S.D.) 10, Dakota State (S.D.) 2 – FINAL/6 innings

Hannah McFarland led the game with a walk for DSU and swiped to second base.  Jordyn Jeffries reached safely on base caused by MMU's defensive error, allowing McFarland to score for 1-0 Dakota State lead.

Mount Marty produced three straight hits to start the bottom third frame.  Lilinoe Nihi opened with a single and advanced to second base after Trojans' defensive error.  Alyssa Sosky followed up with a double to advance Reese McIltrot, pinch runner for Nihi, to third base.  Kayleen Jacinto produced a 2-RBI double to give the Lancers a 2-1 lead.

Dakota State recorded their first hit of the game in the top fourth inning as Michelle Evdos drilled a lead-off double.  She advanced to third base on MMU's passed ball.  Quincy Hartley hit an RBI ground out to score Evdos as the Trojans tied the game 2-2.

Nihi hit an RBI single to score Abby Johnson – who reached safely on base after DSU's defensive miscue – as the Lancers regained their lead to 3-2 in the bottom fourth.

Mount Marty scored four runs in the bottom fifth to balloon their lead to 7-2.  Jacinto hit a solo home run in the bottom sixth to make it 8-2 in favor of MMU.

Johnson closed the game with an RBI double, giving the Lancers a 10-2 victory with one out in the bottom sixth.

Mount Marty recorded 14 hits in the game compared to Dakota State one hit.

Evdos finished the game by going 1-of-2 at the plate with a double, walk, and a run scored for DSU.  Hartley and Jeffries each added an RBI.  McFarland had a walk, stolen base, and run scored.  Julia Maldonado recorded a walk.

Jacinto led the Lancers with three hits, three RBIs, and two runs.  Sosky, Janeah and Nihi each added two hits.  Johnson collected a hit and two RBIs.

Mason Usselman (L, 1-7) took the defeat in the pitching circle after tossing 4 2/3 innings for Dakota State.  She gave up seven runs (one unearned) on nine hits.  Makenna McGee worked for two hits in relief.

Jacey Hayen started the game for Mount Marty, working for three innings and allowed an unearned run.  Makayla Graunke earned the victory in relief, tossing two innings and giving up a run on oone hit.  McKenzie Gray tossed a scoreless sixth inning in relief.