Sioux Center, Iowa - Dakota Wesleyan opened the doubleheader strong with a 3-1 win over Dordt, powered by Alison Ernsberger's dominant 10-strikeout performance and a clutch home run from McKinnely Mull. The Tigers racked up 13 hits in Game 2 and battled until the end in a 16-11 slugfest loss, showing off their deep, dangerous lineup and relentless fight despite defensive miscues.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 3, Dordt (Iowa) 1
In a well-executed performance at the ASB Dome on April 2, 2025, Dakota Wesleyan edged Dordt (Iowa) 3-1 in a competitive GPAC matchup. The Tigers, improving to 28-8 overall and 9-2 in conference play, were led by senior pitcher Alison Ernsberger, who tossed a complete-game gem. She allowed just four hits, one earned run, and struck out 10 while working around a pair of hit batters. Her steady presence in the circle helped Dakota Wesleyan hold off a Dordt offense that struggled to find rhythm.
Dakota Wesleyan capitalized on key moments early, plating one run in the first and two more in the third. McKinnely Mull sparked the offense with a triple and a two-run home run, going 2-for-2 with a walk and two RBIs. Ashlen Johnson added a clutch RBI single, while the rest of the lineup chipped in timely hits to keep the pressure on Dordt starter Chloe Kreuz. Despite six total hits and only two walks, the Tigers made the most of their chances and executed with efficiency at the plate.
Dordt (15-19, 4-3) showed some fight behind Kreuz, who not only pitched all six innings but also launched a solo home run for the Defenders' lone run. She allowed three earned runs on six hits and struck out five. However, Dordt's offense couldn't break through against Ernsberger, striking out 10 times and leaving six runners on base. Defensively, the Defenders committed one error, while the Tigers played clean in the field. Though it was a close contest, Dakota Wesleyan's timely hitting and strong pitching proved to be the difference.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 11, Dordt (Iowa) 16
Despite a tough 16-11 loss to Dordt (Iowa), Dakota Wesleyan showcased its explosive offensive firepower in a high-scoring battle at the ASB Dome. The Tigers racked up 13 hits and 11 runs, once again proving why they're one of the most potent lineups in the GPAC. Peyton Bagley led the charge with a home run, two hits, and three RBIs. McKinnely Mull added a double and a triple, driving in two runs and scoring twice. The top of the lineup kept pressure on Dordt's pitching, maintaining competitiveness throughout the game.
Dakota Wesleyan continued to battle through defensive miscues, putting up crooked numbers in the first, second, third, and fourth innings. Jaden Warner contributed a pair of RBIs, and freshman Avery Perkins added a key pinch-hit RBI. Elle Feser had two hits and an RBI, while Madison Moore and Bagley swiped bases, keeping Dordt's defense on edge.
On the mound, Dakota Wesleyan used a tandem of Keirstyn Krcil and Ernsberger to navigate Dordt's hot bats. While Dordt found success at the plate, Ernsberger still managed to strike out three in 2.1 innings. The Tigers' defense struggled with six errors, but they never folded, staying in striking distance until the final innings. With a loaded offense and key contributors throughout the lineup, Dakota Wesleyan showed its resilience.
Up Next:
The Tigers will travel to Midland on Tuesday for a doubleheader, slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.