Despite Fast Start Trojans Still Searching for First Win

The Dakota State softball team was unable to take advantage of their 3-0 fast start after the first inning Saturday afternoon, as Dordt rallied back with seven unanswered runs and held off the Trojans 7-4.

Dakota State ignited the game with a three-run production in the top of the first after setting themselves up with bases loaded. However, Dordt answered with a run in the bottom half of the first inning and produced three RBI singles overtaking the lead from the Trojans at 4-3.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Defenders put the game out of reach with three more runs to balloon their lead to 7-3.

Michelle Evdos hit an RBI single to score Carrington Entringer as the Trojans snapped their scoring drought, trailing 7-4 in the top seventh. But the Trojans could not convert their scoring chances as Dordt secured the victory.

Dordt outhit Dakota State 12-5 in the game. The Defenders left nine runners on base compared to the Trojans eight runners left on base.

Entringer went 2-of-3 at the plate with two singles and scored twice for Dakota State. She swiped two bases. Evdos had a single, RBI, and walk. Rosie Philop and Jadynn Alvarado each added a single and an RBI.

Hannah McFarland recorded four walks in the game for the Trojans, tying the single-game record for most walks with Jeny Garst versus Minot State in April 2005.  

Emma Groen led the Defenders with a double, two singles, and drove in four runs.  

Maycee Bricker (L, 0-2) took the defeat after working for three innings in the pitching circle for DSU. She allowed four runs on seven hits and registered four strikeouts. Mason Usselman pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief, giving up three runs on three hits. Philop worked for two shutout outs in relief with two strikeouts.

Taylor Knaack started the game for one-plus inning for Dordt. She gave up three runs (one unearned) on two hits and allowed four walks. Abby Kraemer (W, 3-2) earned the victory after tossing six innings in relief. She yielded the Trojans to one run on three hits.  She recorded seven strikeouts.

DSU dropped their overall record to 0-8, while Dordt lifted their overall record to 10-2 and took their second meeting with DSU within a week.

Dakota State continues their action next weekend as they seek their first win of the season.  The Trojans play another four-game tournament slate in Wichita, Kan. DSU plays MidAmerican Nazarene and Concordia on Friday, followed by another pair of contests next Saturday versus Peru State and host-team Friends.