Sioux City, Iowa - Dakota Wesleyan split their series against Briar Cliff, dropping the first game 6-5 before bouncing back with a 6-3 win. In the opener, the Tigers took an early lead with a Peyton Bagley home run and strong hitting from McKinnely Mull, but Briar Cliff rallied late to secure the walk-off victory. Alison Ernsberger took the loss despite a solid outing. In the second game, Dakota Wesleyan responded with a 12-hit performance, led by Mull's four-hit, three-RBI effort. Keirstyn Krcil pitched a complete game, allowing just six hits to earn the win. The Tigers improved to 24-8 overall and 5-2 in GPAC play.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 5, Brair Cliff 3
Dakota Wesleyan put up a strong fight against Briar Cliff but fell just short in a 6-5 loss at Bishop Mueller Complex. The Tigers struck first with a run in the opening inning and continued to apply pressure throughout the game, adding two more in the fourth and single runs in the fifth and seventh. Peyton Bagley provided a major highlight with a two-run home run, while McKinnely Mull and Ashlen Johnson each added RBIs. Despite outplaying Briar Cliff defensively and avoiding errors, Dakota Wesleyan couldn't quite hold off a late rally from the Chargers.
Pitcher Alison Ernsberger delivered a solid performance, pitching 6.2 innings with five strikeouts and only two walks. The Tigers' defense backed her up, making key plays to keep the game close. Mull stood out offensively, collecting three hits, scoring once, and stealing a base, while Liliana Arreola contributed with two hits of her own. Dakota Wesleyan's lineup produced nine hits and consistently put runners in scoring position, keeping them in the game until the very end.
Although Briar Cliff managed to push across the winning run in the seventh, Dakota Wesleyan remained competitive throughout. The loss marked their second in conference play, bringing their record to 24-7 overall and 6-2 in the GPAC.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 6, Briar Cliff 5
Dakota Wesleyan rebounded from their previous loss with a 6-3 victory over Briar Cliff in Sioux City, Iowa. The Tigers broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with two runs, then added two more in the sixth and another pair in the seventh to secure the win. McKinnely Mull led the offensive charge, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs and a stolen base, while Elle Feser and Ashlen Johnson also contributed key hits. The Tigers capitalized on their 12 hits and aggressive baserunning to control the game.
Pitcher Keirstyn Krcil delivered a strong performance, going the full seven innings while allowing just six hits and three earned runs. She kept the Chargers' offense in check, striking out one and walking none over 91 pitches. The defense backed her up effectively, limiting Briar Cliff's opportunities and committing only one error. Briar Cliff briefly tied the game in the fourth inning with two runs, but Dakota Wesleyan responded late to put the game out of reach.
With the win, Dakota Wesleyan improved to 25-8 overall and 6-2 in GPAC play. Peyton Bagley contributed two hits and a stolen base, while Mull added three steals of her own. The Tigers' ability to execute with runners on base proved to be the difference, as Briar Cliff struggled to generate consistent offense. The victory provided a solid bounce-back effort as Dakota Wesleyan looks to continue their strong conference performance.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel Hastings on Friday to take on the Broncos for a double header slated at 3:00 p.m.