Dickinson, N.D. – Dickinson State dropped both games on Saturday in the North Star Athletic Association Softball Tournament, falling 5-1 to Jamestown in the winner's bracket before being eliminated with a 3-2 extra-inning loss to Valley City State.
In the opening game, the Blue Hawks were limited to four hits in a 5-1 loss to the top-seeded Jimmies. Jamestown scored twice in the fourth and added three more in the sixth to build a cushion behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Hope Ransome.
Dickinson State's lone run came in the sixth inning. Celina Wilharm drew a walk and later scored on a double by Brooke Lijewski. Lijewski finished 3-for-3 at the plate. Ashlee Potter added a fifth-inning single for DSU's only other hit.
Ava Jahner took the loss in the circle, surrendering five earned runs on nine hits over six innings with one strikeout and no walks.
Jamestown broke the scoreless tie in the fourth with an RBI triple from Maddie Spaeth, followed by an RBI single from Kaitlin McCartney. The Jimmies pulled away in the sixth when McCartney hit a three-run home run.
In the nightcap, Dickinson State was edged 3-2 in eight innings by Valley City State in an elimination game.
Alison Eldridge started and went the distance for the Blue Hawks, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits with five walks and three strikeouts in 7.2 innings.
Valley City State took a 1-0 lead in the first on an unearned run, but the Blue Hawks tied the game in the fourth. Jessa Duggan, pinch running for Lijewski, scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Allyson Farrington.
After the Vikings regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth, Dickinson State answered in the fifth when Jersi Morse, running for Cassidy Venner after a single, scored on a sac fly by Wilharm.
The Blue Hawks had a key scoring opportunity in the top of the eighth when Bailey Hansen singled and Farrington followed with a hit. Kiley Hubby walked to load the bases with one out, but a popout and flyout left all three runners stranded.
Valley City State sealed the win in the bottom of the eighth. Katelyn Banerd singled and advanced to third on a walk and a fielder's choice. Makenzee Stone then hit a sacrifice fly to center, bringing home Banerd with the game-winning run.
HaiLeigh Davis led Dickinson State at the plate, going 3-for-4. Hansen added two hits, and Wilharm and Farrington each recorded an RBI.
