Trojans Split in Season Opener

Mitchell, SD 3/1/06 - The Dakota State University Softball team opened the 2006 campaign with a split versus in-state rival Dakota Wesleyan. In the first game of the double-header the Trojans found themselves trailing 2-0 in the top of the sixth inning when the Trojan offense erupted for 6 runs. DWU would respond in the bottom of the sixth scoring 2 runs to bring the score to 6-4 however the Trojans would add a piece of insurance in the top of the 7th extending their lead to 7-4 where the score would stay as Steph Brakel took the win for the Trojans.

Brakel got her first win of the year throwing a complete game 8 hitter while striking out 4. In the game the Trojans showed their aggressiveness on the base paths successfully stealing 5 bases during the game. Offensively the Trojans were led by senior Danielle Rosheim who went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's and a stolen base.

In the nightcap the Trojans found themselves trailing again to DWU 2-0 at the end of the first inning. The Trojans would respond by getting on the board in the second to bring the score to 2-1 and the two teams would go on to add a run a piece in their next at bats to bring the score to 3-2 in favor of DWU.  Steph Brakel then stepped up for the Trojans and put an end to the DWU offense retiring the next 8 batters in order.

The Trojan offense had opportunities in the 6th and 7th innings to bring in runs but failed to get the key hit that would give them the lead, allowing DWU to secure their second win of the season 3-2 over DSU.

On the day the Trojans scored 9 runs on 16 hits and committed only 1 error. Steph Brakel threw both games allowing 7 runs (6 earned) while striking out 10. The Trojans also stole 8 bases which puts them only 7 behind last years total of 15.

"We played very well today, considering it was only our second day outside this semester. The one thing that really hurt us today was the fact that we left 16 runners on base, obviously getting one or two key hits would have helped us tremendously, especially in the second game." stated associate head coach Ken Prorok. "Overall I am very pleased with the way we hustled, communicated, and most of all competed today, hopefully it is a sign of good things come." added Prorok.

First year head coach Brad Hesser got his first win as a collegiate head coach in the 7-4 win in the first game of the twin-bill. "It was great to get outside and be able to win our first contest.  It was also nice to be able to get on the field and put together all of the things that we have worked on, throughout the preseason, to use in a game. We have a great group of ladies and we look forward to many more great things as we continue the season."  The Trojans next games will be played at the Tucson Invitational Games in Tucson, Arizona.