The Dickinson State softball team split its first home games of the season with Jamestown College on Saturday afternoon in a nonconference doubleheader between the Dakota Athletic Conference rivals at Gress Complex.
Jamestown came out in the first game and hit well into the gaps as it claimed an 8-2 win.
In the second game, Lindsey Sullivan had a home run and an RBI double to help the Blue Hawks to a 3-1 win.
Eight Jamestown hitters had at least one hit in the first game.
"We had good pressure on the bases in the first game," Jamestown head coach Kevin Gall said.
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The Jimmies (9-8) had several base runners and stolen bases, in addition to the Blue Hawks giving up eight walks in the opener.
"We struggled on the mound the first game," DSU head coach Kristen Fleury said. "We gave too many opportunities to them."
The Jimmies totaled 10 hits in the first game, including a home run from Kelsie Jensen.
"It's a struggle to come into a game with the bases loaded," Kaufman said.
The Blue Hawks (11-12) kept up the battle offensively with some hits from junior pitcher Taysia Kaufman and senior shortstop Jessica Huseby.
Kaufman had a triple and double while Huseby had her first home run of the season.
"I felt more confident," said Huseby. "We're being more selective with our pitches and not getting behind in the count."
Sullivan's bat, Huseby's defensive presence and Kaufman's performance in the circle led DSU to the win in Game 2.
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Sullivan had a RBI double and a solo home run, her fifth of the season and 31st RBI. Both are team highs.
"We hit the ball well," Fleury said. "We had some big hits from Lindsay, Kristy (Ortiz) and Taysia. They got their pitches."
Ortiz had a ground-rule double on her first at-bat and Kaufman opened up with a double. Huseby added a RBI double in her first appearance at the plate.
Fleury said the most important part of the win was DSU's defense.
"It was good to see Taysia settle and the defense was there to support her."
DSU backed up its pitcher with great catches and outs with runners in scoring position.
"It was important to show that we may be young, but we're coming out," Huseby said. "We're making our mark and becoming more confident."
DSU travels to Sioux City, Iowa, to play in the Morningside Tournament, next Friday and Saturday.
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"We just need to keep up our intensity and heart," said Kaufman. "Cause we know we can beat any team out there."
JC 002 231 0 -- 8 10 0
DSU 001 100 0 -- 2 5 1
Jessica Lees and Kristi Michaud. Reagan Lawrence, Tiffany Morgan, Taysia Kaufman and Claudia Torres. W-Lees (Record). L-Kaufman (4-7). HR-DSU, Jessica Huseby, JC, Kelsie Jensen.
Highlights: DSU, Huseby 2-3, HR; Kaufman 2-4, 3B, 2B, run. JC, Eccles 2-5; Jensen 2-3, HR; Allison Roper 2-3, RBI.
JC 000 001 0 -- 1 7 0
DSU 011 001 x -- 3 7 1
Steph Bolt and Janelle Spear. Taysia Kaufman and Aubrey Ayala. W-Kaufman (5-7). L-Bolt (Record). HR-DSU, Lindsay Sullivan.
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Highlights: DSU, Sullivan, 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI; Claudia Torres 2-3; Kaufman 1-2, 2B; Huseby 1-2, 2B, RBI. JC, Hattie Fullmer 2-4; Spear 1-3, RBI.
Records: DSU 11-12, JC 9-8.
