The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team enjoyed a successful doubleheader against Bemidji State University, securing a decisive 10-1 victory in the first game followed by an impressive 10-0 shutout in the second game at James S. Malosky Stadium.
Starting off the day, UMD established dominance early, scoring eight runs in the first two innings while recording 10 hits and five stolen bases overall. The Bulldogs showcased a strong first inning, highlighted by
Daphne Evans tripling to right field, setting the stage for
Kendal Jenkins, who also tripled, bringing Evans home. Jenkins then scored on a walk by
Khendal Johnson, followed by an RBI single from
Morgan McMillan, scoring Johnson.
Taylor Dawyduk doubled, allowing McMillan to score, concluding the inning with a 4-0 lead.
The Bulldogs continued their onslaught in the second inning, capitalizing on the Beavers' defensive errors.
Emma Ambroz reached on an error and was driven home by an RBI single from Evans. Jenkins added another RBI with a single, and
Sierra Thomas reached on an error, scoring Jenkins. McMillan's sacrifice fly brought Thomas home, extending the lead to 8-0.
Bemidji State managed to get on the board in the fourth inning with a run driven in by a double from Beissel, but UMD maintained control, allowing only that single run. In the fifth inning, the Bulldogs tacked on more insurance runs as McMillan and Dawyduk both singled and advanced on stolen bases.
Serena Timmer then singled to center field, driving in both McMillan and Dawyduk, resulting in a final score of 10-1.
UMD's pitching was led by
Emmie Sylvia-Cochran, who pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out two batters, earning her 14th win of the season.
Maddy Walsh relieved Sylvia-Cochran, pitching two scoreless innings without allowing a hit.
Evans scored two runs and recorded two hits, including a triple, while also stealing a base. Jenkins contributed significantly with two runs, two hits, and two RBIs, highlighted by a triple. McMillan added two runs, two hits, and two RBIs, showcasing her speed with two stolen bases, while Timmer drove in two RBIs.
In the second game, UMD continued its strong performance, clinching a 10-0 victory powered by three doubles and two home runs, with the pitching staff allowing just three hits in a shutout effort. The Bulldogs opened strongly in the first inning, with Evans hitting a solo home run.
Ava Johnson walked and stole second, later scoring on
Khendal Johnson's double to left center.
Morgan McMillan reached on an error, allowing Johnson to score, giving UMD a 3-0 lead after the first inning.
The second inning saw
Lauren Jenkins walk and steal second, setting up another home run by Evans, bringing in two runs and extending the lead to 5-0 by the end of the second inning.
Khendal Johnson and McMillan were pivotal in the third inning as
Taylor Dawyduk doubled to center field, with
Paige Johnson pinch running and scoring on a walk by
Serena Timmer, closing the third inning at 6-0.
In the fourth inning, the Bulldogs solidified their lead further. Evans singled and later scored on a single by
Khendal Johnson, who advanced on McMillan's double, scoring two more runs.
Paige Johnson contributed with a single to left field, bringing McMillan home, sealing a 10-0 victory.
Ashley Mandell pitched four innings, allowing three hits and no runs, while issuing one walk and striking out a batter, improving her record to 4-1.
Allyssa Williams provided a perfect inning of relief, not allowing any hits or walks.
Evans recorded three hits and drove in three runs, including two home runs.
Khendal Johnson added two hits and knocked in two runs while scoring twice, while McMillan contributed with a double and three RBIs, enhancing the team's offensive output.
The Bulldogs will host Minnesota State University Mankato on Saturday before facing Winona State University on Sunday. Both doubleheaders are set to begin at 12:00 p.m.
