DICKINSON, N.D. — Top-seeded Dickinson State continued its postseason run Saturday afternoon, using a walk-off double from Brooke Lijewski to defeat Providence 8-7 in the Frontier Conference Softball Tournament winner's bracket game at Bravera Field.
With the victory, the Blue Hawks improved to 39-12 overall, extended their winning streak to 23 games and advanced to the Frontier Conference Championship game Sunday at noon against No. 6 seed Bellevue. The tournament champion secures the conference's automatic berth to the NAIA Opening Round.
Dickinson State overcame multiple swings in momentum, including a late one-run deficit, before delivering in the final inning.
Providence struck first in the opening frame, capitalizing on an error to take a 1-0 lead. Dickinson State was held scoreless through the first two innings before breaking through with a six-run third inning.
The Blue Hawks took advantage of defensive miscues and timely hitting to seize control. Allyson Farrington opened the inning with a double before Izzy Kelly drove in the tying run after reaching on an error. Celina Wilharm followed with a two-run single to give DSU its first lead. Kiley Hubby added an RBI double, Octavia Meyer contributed an RBI single and Viennah Meyer capped the inning with an RBI single as Dickinson State built a 6-1 advantage.
Providence answered quickly, scoring two runs in the fourth inning and adding another on a solo home run by Tehneson Ehnes in the fifth to trim the deficit to 6-4.
The Argos surged ahead in the sixth inning, plating three runs on four hits to reclaim a 7-6 lead. Following consecutive baserunners, Providence used an RBI walk, a fielder's choice and an RBI single to move in front.
Dickinson State turned to Reagan King in relief, and the Blue Hawks right-hander limited further damage. King closed the sixth inning and worked a scoreless seventh, striking out two to earn the win and improve to 11-4 on the season.
Trailing entering the bottom of the seventh, DSU mounted one final response.
After Baylee Berg was retired to open the inning, Stocktyn Stevenson singled to spark the rally. Wilharm followed with her second hit of the game, moving Stevenson into scoring position. Lijewski then delivered the decisive blow, lining a double to right field that scored both runners and secured the comeback victory.
Lijewski finished with two RBIs, including the game-winner. Wilharm went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while Stevenson also collected two hits and scored twice. Hubby, Octavia Meyer, Viennah Meyer and Farrington each added RBIs as Dickinson State totaled nine hits.
Hope Fath started in the circle for Dickinson State, allowing six runs over five innings. King provided two innings of relief and held Providence to one run while closing out the final six outs.
Providence, which finished with 11 hits, was led by Ehnes, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, double and three runs scored. Madison Moultray added three hits for the Argos.
Dickinson State committed one error, while Providence was charged with four, several of which proved costly during the Blue Hawks' six-run third inning.
Saturday's win keeps Dickinson State in position to capture the Frontier Conference Tournament title on its home field. Bellevue will need to defeat the Blue Hawks twice Sunday to claim the championship, while DSU enters needing one win to secure the title and an automatic national tournament berth.
