May 1, 2026
DICKINSON, N.D. – Fifth-seed Carroll (Mont.) used a four-run second inning and held off a late comeback attempt by Dakota State to eliminate the Trojans, 7-4, Thursday morning in the 2026 Frontier Conference Softball Postseason Tournament loser's-out game at Bravera Field on Sanford Sports Complex. The four-day inaugural Frontier Conference softball postseason tournament is being hosted by Dickinson State (N.D.).
The Saints improved to 19-19 overall, while Dakota State closed its season at 14-36. The Trojans collected seven more wins from last year's wins total.
How it happened
Carroll broke through in the top of the second inning after loading the bases with two outs. Madison Walker delivered the biggest swing of the game, blasting a grand slam to left field to give the Saints a 4-0 lead.
Dakota State answered in the bottom of the third inning.
Alexis Resseguie doubled and
Julia Maldonado walked before
Hannah McFarland lined a two-run double to center field. Two batters later,
Emmalynn Rabe singled home McFarland to trim the deficit to 4-3.
Carroll responded immediately in the fourth. Taylor Sayers and Demi Lagourgue opened the inning with singles, and after an out, Kati Slater singled and advanced to second on an error, bringing home two unearned runs for a 6-3 advantage.
The Saints added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Lagourgue walked, moved to second on a groundout, and scored on Slater's RBI single.
Dakota State mounted one final push in the seventh. Resseguie singled with two outs and McFarland doubled home another run, but Carroll pitcher McKinley Ermshar induced a game-ending pop up to seal the victory.
Dakota State Leaders
Carroll Leaders
- Madison Walker: 2-for-4, home run, 4 RBIs
- Kati Slater: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, run scored
- Demi Lagourgue: 2-for-2, 3 runs scored, walk
- Brooke Thompson: 2-for-4
Pitching
- Carroll: McKinley Ermshar (W, 6-9) – 7 innings, complete game, 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 5 strikeouts
- Dakota State: Maycee Bricker (L, 9-13) – 7 innings, complete game, 13 hits, 7 runs (2 unearned), 5 strikeouts
DSU Seniors
Friday's game marked the end of the collegiate softball career for five Dakota State seniors –
Maycee Bricker, Katie Hansen,
Hannah McFarland,
Roanna Riggins, and
Mason Usselman.