February 21, 2026
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — Dakota State (S.D.) battled early but a big late offensive surge by (RV) Morningside (Iowa) lifted the Mustangs to a 10-2 victory over the Trojans in six innings Saturday afternoon at the American State Bank Dome. It was on the second day of the second American State Bank Sports Complex dome tournament, hosted by Dordt (Iowa).
The Trojans are 2-5 overall record. The Mustangs, receiving votes in the NAIA Softball Coaches' Preseason Poll, improved to 4-2 overall record.
How it happened
Dakota State opened the game with immediate pressure at the plate. After
Gabrielle Ortega-Alves reached base and moved into scoring position,
Emmalynn Rabe delivered an RBI single to center field to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Morningside answered in the second inning, capitalizing on an error and a run-scoring double from Lainie Keller to take a 2-1 advantage. Dakota State responded in the fourth when
Quinn Hartley blasted a solo home run to right-center field, tying the game 2-2.
The Mustangs regained control in the fifth inning. A sacrifice fly by Paige Schuster and another Trojan defensive miscue allowed two runs to score, pushing Morningside ahead 4-2.
In the sixth inning, Morningside broke the game open with six runs. The rally included RBI hits from Schuster and Josie Hernandez, plus back-to-back two-run doubles by Adeline Fliege and Macanna Guritz to seal the 10-2 result via run rule.
Dakota State finished with seven hits, matching Morningside's total, but defensive errors and timely Mustang hitting proved decisive.
Individual Leaders
Dakota State
Morningside
- Macanna Guritz: 1-for-3, 3 RBI, 2B
- Adeline Fliege: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2B, winning pitcher
- Paige Schuster: 1-for-2, 2 RBI
- Josie Hernandez: 1-for-3, RBI, two runs scored
- Lainie Keller: 1-for-2, RBI double
Up Next
Dakota State closes the second preseason tournament as they face Briar Cliff (Iowa) at 4 p.m.
