ABERDEEN, S.D. – The (RV) Dickinson State University (DSU) softball team split a pair of Saturday games during the final day of the PC Dome Classic, hosted by Presentation College. The Blue Hawks fell 5-4 to nationally recognized, University of Jamestown, before defeating Dordt University 2-1. With the split, the Blue Hawks move to 2-2 on the year.
Game One: (RV) Dickinson State 4, (RV) University of Jamestown 5
It was a battle of nationally recognized teams during the first game of the day as both teams are receiving votes from the preseason national poll. After a scoreless first inning for both teams, UJ got on the board first in the bottom of the second. UJ's Merchant reached base on an error by DSU and would round home on the next at-bat after UJ's Reisdorfe tripled to left field. Teammate Neiles collected her first RBI of the game after a follow-up single to give UJ the early 2-0 lead.
After another scoreless inning for the Blue Hawks, the Jimmies doubled their lead after a two-run homerun by Santina Zito. The Jimmies would go on and score one more run in the bottom of the fourth to hold the commanding 5-0 lead. However, things got started for the Blue Hawks in the top of the fifth after a lead-off double by Madison Stephens. On the next play, Stephens stole third and would score the first run for DSU after senior Emilie Sickler singled to center field. Rhea Paiva followed with a single of her own to move Sickler into scoring position. After an error by UJ's left fielder on the next at-bat, Sickler would cross home plate to pull the Blue Hawks within three.
With two outs, Ari Martinez and Dallis Mitchell put the ball in play and brought home two more runners to come within one. However, unable to get anything going offensively during the last two innings, the Blue Hawks drop their second game of the season.
From the Box Score –
As a team, the Blue Hawks connected for eight hits, four runs, three RBIs and left seven on-base. Madison Stephens and Ari Martinez led the Blue Hawk attack with three and two hits, respectively.
From the mound, Arjana Eilers surrendered four runs (3ER) and one homerun off four hits in 11 batters faced. Madeline Peralta and Dallis Mitchell pitched the final four innings and let up a combined five hits and one run.
Game Two: Dickinson State 2, Dordt University 1
It only took two runs but the Blue Hawks secured their second win of the season off the bats of Madison Stephens and Dallis Mitchell. The Blue Hawks got things rolling in the top of the second inning after Madison Stephens tripled to center field and crossed home plate off an error by Dordt's third baseman. The Defenders tied things up in the bottom of the inning after DU's Groen homered over the left field fence.
After a scoreless third inning, the Blue Hawks scored again – which would ultimately be the game-winning run. Hailey Enriquez started the inning off with a single to center field and would move into scoring position on a wild pitch. After an Ari Martinez ground out to third base, Dallis Mitchell came up big with a single to center field to give the Hawks the 2-1 lead.
The Blue Hawk pitching and defense continued to stay dominant as DSU held the Defenders' offense scoreless – as DU stranded seven on base in the final three innings to solidify the 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon.
From the Box Score –
Six different Blue Hawks recorded a hit in the 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon including Katelyn Kubitschek, Hailey Enriquez, Ari Martinez, Dallis Mitchell, Madison Stephens, and Emilie Sickler. Mitchell landed the lone RBI of the day, while Enriquez and Stephens crossed the plate for the two runs.
From the mound, Ari Martinez (2-0) picked up her second win of the season and she let up two hits and one run (1ER), while sitting down four batters and walking one in five innings. Dallis Mitchell recorded the save as she pitched a dominant two innings and struck out three Defender batters.
