Tiger softball battles at PC Dome Classic

Aberdeen, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University Softball team hit three grand slams over the weekend and went 1-3 as they continued the Presentation College Dome Classic on Saturday and Sunday in Aberdeen, S.D.

 The Tigers (2-6) opened the weekend against Dordt College, defeating the Defenders 7-5. DWU fell behind early 1-0 in the first inning, but the Tigers came back posting a five-run third inning. DWU held off a Dordt rally late to secure the victory. Amber Budmark (Sacramento, Calif.) led the way for the Tigers, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two homeruns and five RBI's including a grand slam. Andriana Sprakel (Yankton, S.D.) also went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double. Alyson VanderPol (Mitchell, S.D.) pitched all seven innings in the win.

 In the second game of the day, DWU took on Mount Marty College and were defeated by the Lancers 10-9. The Tigers once again fell behind early as the Lancers scored eight runs in the bottom of the second inning. DWU fought back late scoring five in the fifth inning and three in the top of the seventh, but it wasn't enough. Budmark went 2-for-3 at the plate and Karly Severance (Las Vegas, Nev.) hit a grand slam in the contest.

 On Sunday, DWU took on in-state rival Dakota State University. The Trojans prevailed in extra innings, defeating the Tigers 8-5 in eight innings. DWU trailed 5-0 in the bottom of the seventh, but stormed back scoring five runs in the inning, forcing the game to go to extra innings. The Trojans scored three runs in the eighth to win the game. Budmark was 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI, while Andrea Konz (Mitchell, S.D.) also produced two hits in the game. Melysia Ortega (West Covina, Calif.) hit a grand slam in the seventh inning for the Tigers. VanderPol took the loss for the Tigers on the mound while recording three strikeouts.

 In the final game of the weekend, DWU battled Presentation College, dropping a one-run ballgame to the Saints 6-5. The Tigers got the offense going early, scoring in the first three innings of the game, but did not score after the third inning. Sprakel led the way for the Tigers, recording three hits in the game. Severance and Ortega both hit homeruns in the ball game. Devany Farris (Cheyenne, Wyo.) pitched six innings and struck two batters out for the Tigers.

 The Tigers will compete in the Tucson Invitational against St. Xavier University Monday March 5^th in Tucson, Ariz.