The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team faced off against St. Cloud State University in a doubleheader at Husky Stadium on Saturday, falling in both games with final scores of 9–3 and 10–3.
Starting off the day, UMD took an early lead in the second inning with
Khendal Johnson's solo home run to center field, putting the Bulldogs ahead 1–0. However, the Huskies quickly tied the game in the third inning with a single that drove in a run.
A pivotal fourth inning saw SCSU score five runs, including an RBI double and several singles, giving them a commanding 6–1 lead.
The Bulldogs responded in the fifth inning when
Ava Johnson's single brought
Noelle Krumrie home, narrowing the score to 6–2.
UMD added one more run in the sixth as Krumrie's single brought
Khendal Johnson across the plate, but the Huskies extended their lead with a three-run homer, sealing the game at 9–3.
Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched in four innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs, while
Ashley Mandell pitched the remaining two innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.
Khendal Johnson led the offensive effort with a home run, contributing two runs and one RBI.
Ava Johnson had two hits, including a double, and drove in one run, while
Kendal Jenkins drew two walks and provided a hit.
Noelle Krumrie added one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.
In game two, the Bulldogs opened the scoring in the first inning when
Daphne Evans singled to left field and stole second, followed by
Sierra Thomas hitting an RBI single to bring Evans home, making it 1–0.
The Huskies answered in the second inning with two runs, taking a 2–1 lead. SCSU then extended their advantage in the fourth inning with four runs, capitalizing on a fielder's choice and an error to score three, followed by another single to make it 6–1.
UMD narrowed the gap in the fifth inning when
Emma Ambroz reached base with a bunt single, setting the stage for
Kendal Jenkins to hit a two-run homer, bringing the score to 6–3. However, the Huskies responded in the sixth with a four-run inning, including a three-run homer, solidifying their lead to 10–3.
Allyssa Williams pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, going six innings and allowing 10 hits and 10 runs, six of which were earned.
Kendal Jenkins stood out offensively with two RBIs from her home run, while
Daphne Evans demonstrated her speed with two stolen bases.
Sierra Thomas contributed with a hit and an RBI.
The Bulldogs now hold a 14-14 record in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and are currently in the 10th spot for the NSIC Tournament. They are set for one final regular-season doubleheader against Concordia University St. Paul tomorrow.
