February 20, 2026
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Dakota State (S.D.) struggled to recover from an early deficit as Doane (Neb.) scored six runs in the opening inning and cruised to a 10-0 five-inning victory over the Trojans in non-conference softball action Friday afternoon in the second American State Bank Sports Complex dome tournament. The dome tournament is hosted by Dordt (Iowa).
DSU fell to 2-3 overall record. Doane, a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference, improved to 4-4 overall record.
Game Summary
The Tigers wasted no time in the bottom of the first inning, scoring six runs on six hits. Doane opened the scoring when Jaiden Papik stole home, then added RBI hits from Evelyn Iniguez, Kayla Meyer, and a two-run triple by Ciara Hudson to build a 6-0 lead.
Dakota State threatened briefly in the top of the first when
Hannah McFarland singled and stole second, but the Trojans were unable to capitalize.
Doane added four more runs in the third inning. Meyer delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run home run to left field, extending the lead to 9-0, before another RBI groundout pushed the margin to 10-0.
Dakota State's offense was held in check by Doane starter Bri True (W, 1-1), who worked four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out four. Trinity Robinson closed the final frame with three strikeouts to seal the run-rule victory.
Key Performers
Dakota State
Doane
- Kayla Meyer: 2-for-2, HR, 4 RBI
- Ciara Hudson: 1-for-1, triple, 2 RBI, 2 runs scored
- Katelyn Hays: 2-for-2, 2 runs scored
Pitching Summary
Dakota State
Doane
- Bri True (W, 1-1): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 K
- Trinity Robinson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K
Up Next
Dakota State face No. 17 Northwestern (Iowa) for the second time this season in the second game Friday evening. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. first pitch.
