The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team faced off against the University of Jamestown in a doubleheader at the Nelson Family Bubble, resulting in a split for the Bulldogs. UMD secured a 5–3 victory in the first game but narrowly fell in the second game, losing 1-0.
In the first game, a decisive four-run third inning from the Bulldogs provided the edge needed to withstand a late three-run surge by Jamestown in the sixth inning.
In the first inning,
Daphne Evans singled and later advanced to third on a wild pitch.
Kendal Jenkins drove in Evans with a fielder's choice, putting Minn. Duluth ahead 1-0. The third inning saw Evans single and score on a ground-rule double by
Ava Johnson. Jenkins walked, and
Sierra Thomas hit a three-run homer, bringing the score to 5-0.
Jamestown responded in the sixth inning with a single and a double that drove in three runs, cutting the lead to 5-3. The Bulldogs maintained their lead through the seventh inning, holding the Jimmies scoreless to secure the win.
Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched six innings for UMD, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out four batters and walking six. Sylvia-Cochran threw a total of 116 pitches, with 61 of those being strikes, contributing to her 12-6 record.
Ashley Mandell closed the game, pitching the final inning with 10 pitches, securing a save by allowing no runs or hits.
Thomas led the offense with three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs. Evans contributed by crossing the plate twice and stealing a base. Johnson added a double and an RBI while also scoring a run. Jenkins drew a walk and tallied an RBI despite not recording a hit.
In the second game, UMD narrowly fell to the University of Jamestown with a final score of 1-0 in a tightly contested matchup. Jamestown secured the victory in the first inning when Trinity Gregg scored the only run of the game on a groundout by Maddie Spaeth after advancing to third base.
The Bulldogs' offense was unable to capitalize on its opportunities despite having base runners in several innings.
Sierra Thomas doubled in the second inning and reached third on a sacrifice bunt, but the team left three runners on base without scoring.
Kendal Jenkins doubled in the sixth inning, but UMD could not bring the runner home, concluding the game with the Jimmies maintaining their slim lead at 1-0.
Allyssa Williams pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, allowing only one earned run over six innings. She surrendered four hits and issued one walk while striking out three batters, throwing 88 pitches with 60 going for strikes. Despite her strong performance, she was handed a loss, bringing her season record to 7-10.
In the matchup, Jenkins recorded a hit and a double, while Thomas also contributed with a hit and a double.
Morgan McMillan added a hit and successfully stole a base.
The Bulldogs are scheduled to host the University of Minnesota Crookston on Friday before heading back on the road for a matchup with Minnesota State University Moorhead on Sunday.
