Trojans Split on Day 4

Tucson, AZ 3/9/06 – The Dakota State University Softball team continued their spring games today taking on USCAA National Champions St. Mary’s of the Woods College and NCAA Division II Rockhurst University. For the second time on the trip the Trojans face SMWC, in the earlier meeting the Trojans found themselves losing 5-4 after leading 4-0 until a defensive lapse in the 7^th inning.

 With redemption on the mind of the Trojans they came out swinging, the Trojans scored 11 runs on 10 hits leaving no doubt that their earlier loss should not have happened. Offensively the Trojans were lead by junior catcher Ashlee Kirschenman who collected 3 hits in the contest.

 In the circle the Trojans got 3 solid innings from freshman Katie Albertus before junior Steph Brakel came in to hammer down the win for the Trojans, combined the two held St. Mary’s of the Woods to 3 runs on only 3 hits.

 “It was nice to see our team come out and play very well, for the last couple days the one thing that was very noticeable was how disappointed our team was to let the earlier game against St. Mary’s slide away from them. I think we took the loss personally and that really kept the team focused and motivated.”

 In the second game of the day the Trojans faced NCAA Division II Rockhurst University (MO.). The Hawks came into the game with a 7-10 overall record and a 5-3 record in Arizona. The Trojans jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, however the Hawks would respond by scoring 9 runs in the next 4 four innings. The Trojans showed great resilience scoring again in the 5^th and 6^th innings bringing the score to 15-7 where it would stand as the Trojans fell to the Hawks of Rockhurst University.

 “We did a good job of keeping ourselves in the game against Rockhurst they are a very talented team and Coach Struve has a great group of girls who are lead by sophomore Courtney Burnett.” Added Head Coach Brad Hesser.

 The Trojans face Wisconsin Lutheran (WI.) and Bethany Lutheran (MN.) tomorrow as the Trojans continue their spring trip in Arizona.