The University of Minnesota Duluth knocked off Wayne State College 12-4 in five innings and 9-6 to sweep its eighth Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference team of the year. The Bulldogs (38-9; 20-4 NSIC) maintained a firm grip on the No. 2 spot in the NSIC standings with one double header remaining.
This weekend is part of alumni and domestic violence awareness series to honor Mandy Matula. Mandy played for UMD from 2008 to 2011, then later passed away in 2013. The Bulldogs wore purple jerseys as a tribute to Matula and to show support for putting an end to domestic violence.
The games tonight were played under the lights on campus for the first time since April 21, 1999, where UMD defeated Winona State University twice. The last time the Bulldogs played in Duluth under dark skies was on May 3, 2008 in the now-defuncted North Central Conference Tournament hosted by the Bulldogs at the Wheeler Athletic Complex. UMD won that game 9-3 over Minnesota State University, Mankato with none other than Matula picking up the victory.
Freshman catcher
Jessica Bren only had one hit in the double header but it was a big one. The Victoria, Minn., native blasted her 16th home run of the season, a two-run bomb, to take sole possession of the single-season home run record. Kierra Jeffers previously held the record for five seasons with 15 back in 2013. Bren, who leads the NSIC in dingers, has the most home runs of any freshman at the NCAA Division II level this season.
Senior outfielder
Hannah Schmoll collected a team-high five hits and six RBI on the day. She spearheaded the offense that collective hit .417 on the night. For the season, Schmoll is hitting .456 with 73 hits, 56 runs and 37 stolen bases, all team-highs. The Grand Rapids, Minn., native also has a career-high 38 RBI in the leadoff role.
The Bulldogs drew 10 walks in the first game, a single-game high. Junior first baseman
Kalynn Tilton got the free pass four times throughout the night while sophomore third baseman
Lauren Oberle walked three times herself to bring her team-leading total to 29. She was walked with good reason as Oberle was 4-for-4 at the plate with a double and five runs.
Tomorrow, the Bulldogs will have Senior Day at Malosky Stadium to pay tribute to their four players playing in their final 2018 regular season ome matches. UMD faces No. 13 Augustana University (35-11; 17-5 NSIC), who is ranked fourth in the NCAA Central Region, to conclude the 2018 regular season. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
