TUSCON, Ariz. - After splitting its series on Sunday, the Dickinson State softball team strung together a pair of wins against Tabor College (Kan.) and Mount Marty College (S.D.) on Monday.
There wasn’t much scoring in the first game as the Blue Hawks beat Tabor 2-1. However, the bats came alive in the second game when DSU defeated Mount Marty 9-1.
Both of the Blue Hawks’ runs came in the bottom of the first when junior Janell LaRont advanced to third base on a Rebecca Lopez double and then shortstop Alex Vargas hit a two-run triple to bring home the two base runners. Vargas finished 1 for 3 with a triple and 2 RBI.
LaRont was credited with the win in the circle. She pitched a complete game, allowed one run on five hits and recorded 10 strikeouts.
Tabor’s lone run came in the top of the seventh as first basemen Araselly Vargas homered to left on a 2-2 count.
During the second game, the bats were more active. The Blue Hawks secured their lead in the first inning with a run and tacked on six unanswered runs for breathing room.
DSU scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth. After second baseman Monique Yslas reached base on a walk and stole second, leftfielder Justeena Gutierrez tripled to drive in the run. Gutierrez scored on the next at bat.
Designated hitter Lindsey Sullivan drove in two runs off her single and Samantha Bessey, who came in to pinch run for her, reached home plate on the next play.
Lopez had a strong outing for DSU against Mount Marty, going 3 for 4 with a triple, scoring two runs and driving in three runs.
Tiffany Morgan pitched 4 1/3 strong innings for DSU, with one run on three hits, three strikeouts and one walk.
The Blue Hawks continue its play in Tuscon with another doubleheader today. DSU faces Southwestern University (Texas) at 3:30 p.m. followed by Huntington University (Ind.) at 6 p.m.
Dickinson State 2, Tabor College 1
Tabor 000 000 1 - 1 5 0
DSU 200 000 X - 2 6 0
TC Marilee Burge and Katie Henning. DSU LaRont and Brianna Grayson.
W–LaRont. L–Burge. HR–A. Vargas.
Highlights: TC. DSU Vargas 1 for 3, triple, 2 RBI. LaRont, 1 for 3, run. Lopez, 1 for 3, run.
Dickinson State 9, Mount Marty 1
MM 000 010 - 1 3 2
DSU 101 52X - 0 0 0
MM Courtney Hansen, Katie Groteluschen (4) and Kristin Loutsch. DSU Tiffany Morgan, Regan Lawrence (5) and Shelby Ries.
W–Morgan. L–Hansen. HR–none.
Highlights: MM Jessica Wirth 1 for 2, run. Karley Seuntjens 1 for 2, RBI. DSU Lopez 3 for 4, triple, 2 runs, 3 RBI. Gutierrez 1 for 4, triple, 2 runs, 2 RBI. Vargas, 2 for 2, run, RBI. Sullivan, 1 for 3, 2 RBI.
