Big innings prove too much for DWU softball in opening DH

SAINT CLOUD, Minn. – The Dakota Wesleyan University softball team opened the 2016 season against NCAA Division II program Saint Cloud State University in a doubleheader Friday in Saint Cloud, Minn.

The Tigers were unable to avoid the big inning against the Huskies, as DWU dropped both games despite a late rally in the second contest.

SCSU scored seven runs through two innings in game one and cruised to a 13-2, as the Tigers were held to five hits.

After DWU (0-2) scored three runs in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead, SCSU answered with eight in the bottom half of the frame to build a commanding advantage. The Tigers did not give up, chipping away down the stretch with four runs, but the rally fell short and DWU dropped game two 10-7.

The Tigers had several encouraging performances on the first day of the season, including freshman pitcher Sierra Haage (Sioux Falls, S.D.) tossing 3 and 2/3 shutout innings in relief in game two. Haage allowed just three hits and struck out four batters. Junior Lorissa Loeppky (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) (0-1) took the loss in game two, while junior Kelly Taylor (Dublin, Calif.) (0-1) dropped game one.

A pair of Tigers had multiple hits in game two, including three hits and a home run from freshman Savannah Ahumada (Turlock, Calif.). Ahumada added a double and two RBIs, while sophomore Paige Kinley (Worthington, Minn.) chipped in with two hits and a pair of stolen bases.

The Tigers are right back on the field against the Huskies for two more at noon Saturday in Saint Cloud.