ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Dickinson State women's softball team opened their 2022 season by going 1-1 in the first day of the PC Dome Classic. The Blue Hawks fell in extra-innings to NCAA DII opponent, Northern State University (NSU), 5-1, before defeating the Flames of College of Saint Mary (CSM) 3-2.
Game One – Dickinson State 1, Northern State University 5 – 8 Innings
After a scoreless five straight innings for both teams, Northern State would jump on the scoreboard first after a homerun by NSU's Elly Smith to put them up by one. With two outs against them in the bottom half of the inning, the Blue Hawks got things started after a walk by Hailey Enriquez. Sophomore Kamryn Kuntz would enter the game for Enriquez as a pinch-runner and would advance to second on a stolen base on the next at-bat. DSU's Ari Martinez would make her way to first base after another walk to put runners on first and second base. Olivia Hanke would enter the game for Martinez at first to bring speed on both bases for the Blue Hawks.
A hit-by-pitch on DSU's Dallis Mitchell to load the bases, Kara Conway would reach first base after an error by NSU's shortstop to advance all runners and tie the game at 1-1.
After a scoreless seventh inning by both teams, the game would move into extra-innings. With a runner placed on second – for both teams during extra-innings – NSU capitalized after back-to-back doubles to take the 3-1 lead in the top of the eighth inning. After a follow-up walk to place runners on second and first, Ari Martinez would enter the game in the circle – replacing starting pitcher Dallis Mitchell.
Both NSU runners would advance on the next at-bat after NSU's Elly Smith grounded out to Martinez. NSU's Avarie Eagle's single to right center would put another Wolves' run on the scoreboard for the 5-1 lead.
In the bottom of the eighth, Emilie Sickler was placed on second to start the inning off and advanced to third after a lead-off ground out to second base off the bat of Katelyn Kubitschek. However, Sickler would remain in scoring position after back-to-back strikeouts by the Blue Hawks to end the inning and fall in the first game of the PC Dome Classic.
From the Box Score –
As a team, the Blue Hawks had two hits – off the bats of Rhea Paiva and Katelyn Kubitschek - three walks, one run and one RBI. Kamryn Kuntz recorded the only run of the game, while Kara Conway earned her first RBI of the season.
From the circle, Dallis Mitchell (0-1) surrendered eight hits, five runs (4ER), one homerun and three walks in seven innings. Mitchell added five Wolves strikeouts in 25 batters face in the opening game of the season. Freshman Ari Martinez entered the game in relief during the final inning and gave up one hit in four batters faced.
Game Two: Dickinson State University 3, College of Saint Mary 2
The Blue Hawks started off the scoring off a homerun by Ari Martinez in the bottom of the second inning for the early 1-0 lead. After the Blue Hawk defense shut down the Flames' offense in the following inning, DSU added another run to their lead. With two outs, Rhea Paiva started the offense with a single to left field. Teammate Katelyn Kubitschek advanced Paiva to third after an error by the shortstop on the following at-bat. Kubitschek would move her way into scoring position as the senior stole second on the next play. The Blue Hawks would score their second run of the game after Paiva stole home on the next at-bat to push the Blue Hawk lead up to two.
After another scoreless inning for the Flames during the fourth inning, the Blue Hawks strung three hits together – off the bats of Kara Conway, Bailey Pepper and Emilie Sickler. Conway got things started with a single to left field and advanced to second on the next at-bat from Pepper's single to center-field. After a strike-out for the second out, senior Emilie Sickler singled to left field for the RBI to bring Conway across home plate.
The Blue Hawks continued to hold the Flames' offense at a halt through the first five-innings until CSM poured in two runs to come within one (3-2) with one inning left to play. Relief pitcher Madeline Peralta came up huge in the final inning for the Blue Hawks as she shut down the first two CSM batters. After giving up a walk on the next at-bat, CSM's Struck hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning and give the Blue Hawks their first win of the 2022 season.
From the Box Score –
As a team, the Blue Hawks notched five hits in the game – coming from five different players in Rhea Paiva, Ari Martinez, Kara Conway, Bailey Pepper, and Emilie Sickler. The Blue Hawks added three runs and two RBIs in the win.
From the mound, Ari Martinez (1-0) took home the win for the Blue Hawks after pitching a six-hit, two-run start. Martinez struck out five and only walked one Flame batter in 23 batters faced. Peralta picked up her first save of the year as she shut down the CSM offense in 1.1 innings pitched.
From the Coach –
"We played 14 solid innings of softball today," stated DSU's head softball coach Kristen Fleury. "Unfortunately, the 8th inning in game one with the ITB rule got away from us versus Northern. Our pitchers and defense gave us a chance to win two games today and it was great to be back on the field competing. Offensively, we have to find a way to get hits and put the ball in play. We had way too many strikes outs. The offense will come and I'm proud of how the players competed today."
Up Next –
The Blue Hawks continue their PC Dome Classic weekend tomorrow against (RV) University of Jamestown and Dordt University. The Blue Hawks square off against the Jimmies at 9 a.m. MST and the Defenders at 11 a.m. MST.
