Mitchell, S.D. - Dakota Wesleyan won the first game 3-2, led by Ashlen Johnson's two home runs and Alison Ernsberger's 13-strikeout complete game, while Concordia took the second game 10-8, despite being out-hit 15-14. McKinnely Mull hit two home runs with three RBIs in Game 2, but Concordia's early eight-run start held up. Ivy Woolwine pitched five strong innings in relief for the Tigers, but the late rally fell short.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 7, Concordia 3
Dakota Wesleyan secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Concordia (NE) in extra innings, thanks to the power of Ashlen Johnson and a dominant performance in the circle by Alison Ernsberger. Johnson delivered the biggest moments of the game, launching two home runs that accounted for all three of Dakota Wesleyan's runs. Her first blast came in the third inning, a two-run shot that put her team ahead 2-0. Then, with the game tied in the bottom of the eighth, Johnson crushed a solo home run to walk it off for the Tigers, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
On the mound, Ernsberger was nearly unhittable, tossing a complete game while striking out 13 batters and allowing just two earned runs. She kept Concordia off balance all afternoon, working out of trouble in key moments and stranding nine Bulldog runners on base. Her efficiency and poise allowed Dakota Wesleyan to stay in control, even as Concordia chipped away with runs in the fourth and seventh innings. Despite giving up seven hits, Ernsberger limited the damage and showed why she's been a dominant force this season, improving to 13-3.
The Tigers also saw strong performances from Peyton Bagley, who doubled and scored a run, and Sophie Wietzema and Alison Ernsberger, who each added doubles to apply pressure on the Bulldogs' defense. Dakota Wesleyan's aggressive base running, highlighted by an Alessandra Ciurca stolen base, added another dimension to their offense. Meanwhile, Megan Eurich pitched well for Concordia, allowing just six hits and striking out six, but Johnson's heroics proved to be the difference. With the win, Dakota Wesleyan improved to 24-6 on the season.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 13, Concordia 14
Dakota Wesleyan came up just short in a high-scoring 10-8 loss to Concordia (NE) despite out-hitting the Bulldogs 15-14. The Tigers saw standout performances at the plate, led by Ashlen Johnson, who went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. McKinnely Mull provided the bulk of the run production, hitting two home runs and driving in three RBIs, while Sophie Wietzema also homered, finishing with two RBIs. Dakota Wesleyan scored in four separate innings, including a two-run sixth and two more in the seventh, but ultimately could not complete the comeback.
On the mound, Keirstyn Krcil (0-1) took the loss, allowing eight earned runs over two innings, while Ivy Woolwine provided stability in relief, giving up just two runs over five innings. Woolwine held Concordia scoreless from the fourth inning on, allowing Dakota Wesleyan to chip away at the deficit. The Tigers' late-game pressure, including an RBI hit from Hailey Keefer in the sixth, helped bring the game within reach, but Concordia's early offensive burst proved to be the difference.
Defensively, the Tigers committed two errors, while Concordia made one. Dakota Wesleyan also had an impact on the bases, with Peyton Bagley and Ashlen Johnson each stealing a base. Despite the loss, Dakota Wesleyan remains strong in conference play at 5-1 GPAC (24-7 overall) and showed offensive depth with six players recording multiple hits. The Tigers will look to clean up their early pitching struggles while maintaining their strong offensive production in their upcoming matchups.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Sioux City on Wednesday to take a shot at Briar Cliff for a double header slated at 3:00 p.m.