Blue Hawks survive and advance with loser-out win over Viterbo

DICKINSON, N.D. – Rain fell during the final game of the North Star Athletic Association Softball Postseason elimination game Saturday evening between fifth-seeded Viterbo (Wis.) and third-seeded Dickinson State (N.D.) at Bravera Field.  The V-Hawks jumped to a 2-0 lead, while the Blue Hawks scored eight unanswered runs and held off VU's late comeback for an 8-5 victory.

Dickinson State (24-24 overall record) moves on to another loser's out game in the postseason tournament Sunday afternoon versus No. 4 seed Dakota State (S.D.) at 1 p.m. (MT).  Viterbo ended their season at 18-28 overall record.

VU got on the scoreboard first in the first inning, thanks to a hit-by-pitch and a pair of walks to set up a bases loaded situation.  Brittney Slocum recorded an RBI walk to give VU a 1-0 early lead.

Viterbo's grew their lead to 2-0 in the top third with a solo home run blast to center field by Morgan James.

The V-Hawks committed two defensive errors in the bottom half of the third inning, allowing the Blue Hawks to score three runs to overtake a 3-2 lead.

Dickinson State plated four more runs in the bottom fourth, thanks to a pair of doubles from Rhea Paiva and Ari Martinez.  The Blue Hawks extended their lead to 7-2 after VU's passed ball to score Martinez.

DiSU made it 8-2 in the bottom fifth with an RBI single from Paiva.

Viterbo snapped their scoring drought in the top seventh inning, scoring three runs highlighted by Sydney Haakenson's RBI double.  Marissa Carter-Olson added an RBI sacrifice fly as the V-Hawks cut the Blue Hawks' lead to 8-5, while DiSU's defense halted VU's furious comeback.

Viterbo committed four defensive errors in the game compared to DiSU one error.

Paiva fueled Dickinson State's offense attack with a double, single, two RBIs, two walks, and two runs scored.  Martinez added a double, two walks, and two RBIs.  Ashlee Potter recorded two hits.

Alexa Kappel started the game in the circle for the Blue Hawks, working for one-plus inning.  Martinez (W, 6-8) earned the victory after tossing five-plus innings, giving up four runs (two unearned) on four hits.  Dallis Mitchell (S, 1) earned the save after closing the game in the seventh inning with a shutout.

James had a home run and an RBI for Viterbo.  Haakenson added a double and an RBI.  Makayla Nortman and Amanda Bogdonovich each had a hit.

Maddie Wilkey (L, 7-12) took the defeat after pitching 3 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs (four unearned) on five hits.  Morgan Fuhrer tossed 2 2/3 innings in relief, yielding a run on two hits.