Streak snapped.
Under the bright lights of Gress Complex Thursday night, the Dickinson High softball team shinned as it beat Dawson County 10-9.
Trailing 9-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Midgets battled back and rallied to a victory.
"This is a big deal for this club, great experience for the girls," Dickinson head coach Bill Butterfield said. "I'm really proud of them."
Leading 9-5 at the top of the seventh inning, Dawson County's chance at expanding its four-run lead were cut down as left fielder Allie Mittlestadt was called out after an umpire conference by way of interference as she ran from second to third base.
ADVERTISEMENT
That set the stage for Dickinson's comeback.
After scoring three runs off just one hit and with one out, Dickinson sophomore pitcher Kelsey LaFond stepped to the plate for the Midgets and came through in a big way.
With two on base, LaFond doubled to right field to drive in Rachel Jahner and Ashley Krieg for tying and winning runs, respectively.
"It feels awesome," LaFond said with a smile. "The girls played awesome and it just fells -- awesome."
Dickinson (5-12) started out fast as it jumped to an early three-run lead in the bottom of the first thanks largely in part to senior Jess Pachl.
With two outs and the bases loaded, Pachl hit a single to left that scored two runs.
The lead was to be short lived, however, as the Red Devils answered by scoring four runs in the top of the second.
Dawson County freshman Payton Schieffer doubled to right field and was later driven in by center fielder Mikka Wold when she connected on a LaFond pitch, which she drove in the gap in right center for a triple.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We hit really well in the early part of the game," Dawson County head coach Laurie Nelson said. "LaFond pitched well though. She really mixed it up on us."
LaFond drove in her first RBI of the night in the bottom on the second inning as the Midgets reclaimed the lead 5-4.
It was the last run Dickinson would score until the seventh as Dawson County pitcher Cassie Caudill held the Midgets scoreless.
Tied 5-5 in the fourth inning, the Red Devils scored two, but the Midgets' defense held them in check by tossing out runners at home plate.
"Those outs go to the team, I just did my part when the ball got there," catcher Mackee Hoffman said. "Our team really worked together tonight."
Wold and Jordan Ulrich each had RBI singles in the fifth to put Dawson County ahead 9-5.
Hoffman, LaFond and Butterfield each said the Midgets proved more than just the ability to battle back.
"It shows that we have pride," Hoffman said.
ADVERTISEMENT
DC 041 220 0 -- 9 11 4
DHS 320 000 5 -- 10 10 5
Cassie Caudill and Lana Hoagland. Kelsey LaFond and Mackee Hoffman. W-LaFond. L-Cawdill.
Highlights: DHS, Kelsey LaFond, 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 run; Ashley Krieg, 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 runs; Mariah Quintus, 2-for-3. DC, Lana Hoagland, 2-for-3, 1 run; Sam Unruh, 2-for-4, 3 RBI; Mikka Wold, 3-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 runs.
Records: DHS 5-12.
