March 12, 2026
BRANSON, Mo. – Dakota State (S.D.) battled throughout both games but fell twice to Mission (Mo.) to close out the Stars and Stripes Spring Break Classic Thursday at Tanger Field. Mission took the opener 6-4 before edging the Trojans 4-3 in the second game.
Dakota State collected 14 hits across the two games, including multiple hits from several Trojans, but defensive miscues and timely Mission hitting proved decisive.
DSU is 6-12 overall record before heading to the Frontier Conference season opener next weekend. Mission improved to 5-5 overall record.
Game 1: Mission (Mo.) 6, Dakota State 4 – FINAL
Mission scored early and held off a late Dakota State rally to take the opener.
The Patriots capitalized on Trojan defensive errors in the first inning to jump out to a 2-0 lead, scoring twice despite not recording a hit in the frame. They added another run in the second on an RBI double by Kloe Hendrickson, extending the advantage to 3-0.
Mission pushed the lead to 4-0 in the third inning when Maddie Good doubled home a run.
Dakota State responded in the fourth when
Emmalynn Rabe launched a solo home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 4-1. The Trojans mounted their best rally in the sixth inning, sparked by
Alexia Hayden's RBI triple and a two-run single by
Julia Maldonado to trim the margin to 6-4.
However, Mission reliever Kate Potter closed the door in the seventh to secure the win.
Key Performers – Dakota State
Key Performers – Mission
- Courtney Merrell: 2-for-3, double, 2 RBI
- Kloe Hendrickson: 2-for-4, double, RBI
- Maddie Good: double, RBI
Pitching
- Grace Kitterman (DSU) (L, 3-3): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 3 K
- Makenna McGee (DSU): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
- Hailey Presley (Mission) (W, 1-2): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R
- Kate Potter (Mission) (S, 1): 1.0 IP, 0 R
Game 2: Mission (Mo.) 4, Dakota State 3 – FINAL
The second game featured a tight back-and-forth contest that was decided in the final inning.
Mission broke a scoreless tie in the third when Courtney Merrell singled home a run.
Dakota State answered in the fourth as
Quincy Hartley delivered an RBI single, tying the contest at 1-1.
The Trojans took their first lead in the sixth when
Katie Hansen singled up the middle, plating
Alexis Resseguie (pinch runner for
Julia Maldonado for a 2-1 advantage.
Mission responded immediately in the bottom half with RBI singles from Mya Frillman and Haley Frillman, giving the Patriots a 3-2 lead.
Dakota State rallied again in the seventh when Hayden singled home
Lara Dolezal (pinch runner for Ortega-Alves) to tie the game at 3-3.
But Mission answered in the bottom of the inning as Courtney Merrell delivered a walk-off RBI single, securing the doubleheader sweep.
Key Performers – Dakota State
Key Performers – Mission
- Courtney Merrell: 3-for-4, 2 RBI (including walk-off)
- Maggie Painter: 2-for-3, 2 runs
- Apryl Zeno: 2 hits
Pitching
- Maycee Bricker (DSU) (L, 2-3): 6.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 K
- Jillian McDaniel (Mission): 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER
- Kate Potter (Mission) (W, 1-0): final out for win
Up Next
Dakota State is preparing for the busy Frontier Conference schedule next weekend as they are slated to play at Thue Field in Madison, S.D. The Trojans host Mayville State (N.D.) in a four-game series, starting next Friday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader. The second doubleheader is set for next Saturday at 12 p.m.
