2010 Softball
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Blazers Use Big Third and Fourth Innings to Oust Blue Hawks
The DSU softball team had its season come to a tough end Monday afternoon in Decatur, Alabama at the NAIA National Tournament. Fifth-ranked Belhaven (Miss.) put a halt to Dickinson State’s national tournament hopes with the 10-0 win. Had the game been played without the third and fourth innings DSU would have been even throughout the contest, but Belhaven used back to back five run sessions in the third and fourth to knock off the eleventh-ranked Hawks.
After exchanging hits in the first inning and both teams leaving runners on base, the game was at a stalemate going into inning number three. The Blazers would come out firing, capitalizing on a Kelly Jahn throwing error to score their first run of the game and opening the flood gates to two innings where they would have ten hits and ten runs.
Starting pitcher Sara Jane Webster gave up seven runs, on nine hits, in five innings pitched. With the loss Webster closed the book on a solid 20-7 season. By the time Taysia Kaufman came in for relief it was too late. Dickinson State managed only three hits off of Blazers pitchers Sarah Burns and Rebecca Rousseau, two of which came from Erika Arvizo.
The win takes Belhaven to a 53-8 record overall and a chance to advance to bracket play at the National Tournament. The Blue Hawks finish their season with an impressive 34-13 overall mark.
  
Click here for live stats, tournament updates, box scores and recaps of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championships
Big Bats Strong Defense Lead Hawks Past Knights
After being rained out Friday in Decatur, AL the Dickinson State softball team came out looking refreshed against Northwood University (TX), on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks showed no signs of the offensive deficiencies that plagued them in their opening round of pool play. DSU used a big third inning to continue to make a push toward bracket play at the 2010 Softball National Tournament with the 7-1 victory.
Sara Jane Webster got the win, allowing only one run and two hits in her seven innings pitched. The Hawks torched Knights pitchers Larissa Garcia and Taylor Jones for ten hits and seven runs on the day to breeze through round two of pool play.
Jody Lantz propelled a fast first inning start with a two-run home run to deep right-center field. The top of the third inning also had Blue Hawks written all over it and would prove be the dagger for Northwood. Jody Lantz’s third RBI of the day was followed by runs batted in from Jessica Huseby and Carly Patterson. The Knights would answer back with their only run of the game, in the bottom of the third, on a Leigh Anne Rainey RBI single. That’s where the runs would stop for Northwood.
The Blue Hawks will move on to their final game of pool play on Monday the 24th at 1:00 against Belhaven. Monday represents a must win in order to keep their bracket play hopes alive.
Click here for live stats, tournament updates, box scores and recaps of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championships
Hawks Stumble In Tough First Round Loss
The first game of pool play at the 2010 Softball National Tournament was defined by tough defense and a wild pitch. The Cougars scored their only run of the day on a passed ball thrown by All-American Pitcher Sara Jane Webster in the first inning. The slim lead was nothing that the high powered Blue Hawk offense had not faced before but strong efforts from Columbia (MO) pitcher Valerie Teter and her 13 strikeouts left things final at 1-0.
Teter, who at 371 leads the NAIA in strikeouts, improved her record to 30-6 on the year. Webster did her part in the pitchers duel to keep the Hawks alive, striking out six while allowing just four hits.
After an infield single in the first and advancing to third base on a sacrifice, Columbia’s Tori Long scored the only run of the day on the wild pitch from Webster. Dickinson State compiled only four hits on the day. Nickie Youngblood’s double in the fourth inning gave the Blue Hawks hope but the inning was ended on two Teter strikeouts and a pop out from Kelly Jahn.
The Blue Hawks will need to win out their pool play games in order to stay eligible for bracket play. Dickinson State (33-12) will look to rebound against Northwood University from Cedarville, Texas (33-21) at 5:30 pm on Friday.
Click here for live stats, tournament updates, box scores and recaps of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championships
NAIA Softball National Championship
Click here for live stats, tournament updates, box scores and recaps of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championships
Several Blue Hawks Grab Post-Season Honors
Dickinson State University is pleased to announce that several Blue Hawks have received Dakota Athletic Conference post-season awards. After her first season at the helm, Dickinson State's Kristen Fleury was voted by her peers as Coach of the Year. Under Fleury the Hawks won the DAC regular season title for the fifth season in a row. Fleury went 21-3 in the DAC while compiling a 33-11 overall record. Sara Jane Webster, who was great all year in the circle and at the plate, was selected Most Valuable Player in the DAC and All-Conference at utility. Senior first baseman Kelly Jahn was voted to the All-Conference team as was third baseman Jody Lantz. After a stellar first season as a Blue Hawk, Junior Nicole Youngblood was also voted to the All-Conference team at shortstop. Dickinson State catcher Erika Arvizo was honored with a gold glove award for her performance behind the dish this season. DSU will play in the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, AL beginning May 20th against Columbia, MO.
    
Hawks Gain At Large Bid to NAIA National Tournament
The DSU women’s softball team has much to be excited about despite their conference tournament ending loss to Minot State. The Blue Hawks will once again be joining the field of 32 teams at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, Ala. for the NAIA National Tournament.
Dickinson State who finished the season with an overall record of 33-11 will be placed in Pool F along with Belhaven, Miss (50-8), Colombia, MO (36-17) and Northwood, Texas (33-21).
The Hawks begin pool play on Thursday May 20th where they will face Colombia, MO. On Friday May 21st they will play Northwood, Texas at 5:30 pm and finally they will battle Belhaven, Miss at 3:30 pm on Saturday May 22nd to finish out pool play.
Pool Play Bracket
Schedule Bracket Tournament Information
Beavers Stifle Hawks in DAC Championship Game
In a game which featured two of the best pitchers in the Dakota Athletic Conference, Minot State stole a 3-2 upset victory over the 11th ranked Blue Hawks on Monday afternoon in Valley City.
After a three run second inning barrage from Minot, DSU could only respond with two runs of their own in the third against Minot ace Mandy Greenburg. Sara Jane Webster pitched hard in the loss, striking out six while allowing eight hits. Greenburg struck out seven and gave up eight hits in the winning effort. Minot State centerfielder Molly Lundeen hit a solo home run off of Sara Jane Webster while Janessa Penner had two RBI’s in the second inning to give the Beavers the only runs they would need on the day. Inning number three belonged solely to the Blue Hawks as Nickie Youngblood and Kelly Jahn both drove home Blue Hawk base runners. After the third inning neither team was able to manufacture any offensive juice against the two stellar pitchers thus giving the Beavers a 3-2 DAC Tournament Championship win.
The Hawks finish the season with a 21-3 record in the DAC and a 33-11 record overall. With the win, the Beavers will gain an automatic bid to the National Tournament May 20th in Decatur, AL. The Blue Hawks will look to gain entry into the tournament off of their body of work throughout the season.
DSU Recovers From Loss to Force Championship Finale
After suffering their first loss in 17 games the DSU Softball team battled back Sunday afternoon to salvage wins against Minot State University and Jamestown College to force a championship game on Monday.
In game one of the day pitcher Mandy Greenburg stole the show in a 2-0 victory for the Beavers. Greenburg threw a one-hitter and struck out 10 in the win. Tiffany Friesen gave Minot State the go ahead run in the fifth with her solo home run. Sara Jane Webster struck out nine beavers and gave up six hits in the loss.
In what could have potentially been their last game of the tournament, the Blue Hawks fought back behind pitcher Taysia Kaufman in the circle and strong bats at the plate to defeat Jamestown College. Jessica Huseby and Nickie Youngblood also came up huge in the win. Huseby tied things up at one apiece with her solo shot in the second and Youngblood gave the Hawks the only other runs they would need with her two run shot in the third. DSU eight-runned the Jimmies with their six run sixth inning. Jamestown committed four errors in the inning. The win would set up a rematch against Minot State.
For the second time on Sunday two of the best pitchers in the DAC squared off for conference supremacy. This time it was Dickinson State’s Sara Jane Webster who would emerge victorious.
Senior third-baseman Jody Lantz set the tone for the entire game with her two-run homer to start things. The game tilted back and forth from there on out. Beaver catcher Lindsey Landles answered back with a two run shot of her own to put Minot up 4-2. Danielle Crawford’s home run would give the Hawks the go-ahead run they would need while Vanessa Adame brought things to a 6-4 close with her RBI single.
Webster struck out three and allowed eleven hits while Greenburg gave up eight hits and struck out five. The two could be on display once again as DSU will face Minot State in the DAC tournament championship game Monday afternoon.
Blue Hawks Defeat Comets to Open DAC Tourney
In their first round game of the DAC tournament the Blue Hawks extended their win streak to 17 games while defeating Mayville State University 9-0.
Danielle Crawford, Sara Jane Webster and Taysia Kaufman all homered in the first inning with a runner on base to jump out early 6-0. Jody Lantz then drove in Vanessa Adame on a sacrifice fly in the second. The hawks would never look back en route to a shutout victory. The game was ended early on a Brittney Rivas two run single.
Webster pitched well on the day allowing only two hits while striking out nine comet batters. The Blue Hawks will face the winner between Minot State and Jamestown in Sunday’s semifinals.
DAC Tournament Pushed Back Due to Weather
Due to inclement weather the DAC Softball Tournament, which will be held at Valley City State University, will be pushed back one day and will now begin on Saturday May 8th. The Blue Hawks will face the winner between Black Hills State and Mayville State University. Game time is scheduled for 12:30 PM.
Dakota Athletic Conference Tournament Opens This Weekend in Valley City, ND
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The Dakota Athletic Conference softball tournament will be played in Valley City on Friday-Saturday, May 7-8 and if needed, May 9. The games will be played at the College Complex. The tournament begins at 10 AM Friday with #4 Mayville State facing #5 Black Hills State and #2 Minot State taking on #7 Dakota State. At 12:30, regular season champion Dickinson State will play the winner of Mayville State and Black Hills State and #3 Jamestown goes up against #6 Valley City State. The tournament champion qualifies for the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, AL on May 20-28.
DSU Wins 5th Consecutive Regular Season Crown
Most teams would enjoy scoring 36 runs over the course of six games. The Blue Hawks did it in 11 innings as they finished off the Dakota Athletic Conference regular season with a bang. Once again Dakota State fell victim to outstanding performances on the mound and hot bats at the plate as Dickinson State swept the Trojans in their second doubleheader in as many days.
With 18 hits to back up a 13 strike out performance from Sara Jane Webster, the Blue Hawks dealt a 13-0 blow to Dakota State. Although Webster’s stuff in the circle was outstanding, her stuff at the plate was just as impressive rattling off three doubles and driving home four runs. Jody Lantz, who homered in the sixth inning, was just as effective going 2-3 with three RBI’s. Jessica Huseby had herself quite a day as well going 2-4 with three RBI’s.
In game two DSU came out of the opening blocks like Usain Bolt. The Hawks scored 15 runs in the first inning, ten of which came with two outs. Webster alone had three RBI’s in the inning on her double and triple. Kristy Ortiz, who was inserted into the lineup at first base, took full advantage of the opportunity going 2-3 at the plate with three RBI’s. Jessica Huseby capped off her stellar weekend by going 3-5 with four RBI’s. Taysia Kaufman got the win in three innings of work. The Hawks had 19 hits in the game.
Their 30th win of the season sealed the Hawks fifth straight conference regular season title and a first place seed in the upcoming conference tournament. DSU will play the winner between the four and five seeds Black Hills State and Mayville State. The DAC tournament will be held in Valley City on Friday May 7th.
Webster Garners Second DAC POTW Award
Sara Jane Webster has been voted Dakota Athletic Conference pitcher of the week. Last week, the junior threw three complete game shutouts while leading the Hawks to their fifth straight regular season conference title. Behind Webster DSU went 6-0 on the week adding to their 16 game win streak. In 20 innings of work Webster struck out 36 batters while allowing only three walks and eight hits. Webster didn’t do all of her work on defense either, at the dish Webster went 10-22 with nine RBI’s. The wins bring Webster to a 17-3 record on the year.
Hawks Cruise to Doubleheader Wins Over Trojans
After not allowing any runs in their four previous contests, the Blue Hawk Women’s Softball team let one slip in during their last regular season conference doubleheader at Dakota State. That was the only thing that would slip as the Hawks pushed their win streak to 14 games, dropping the Trojans 7-0 and 6-1 on the day.
Sara Jane Webster made things hard on the Trojan batters the entire game, striking out 12 while allowing 2 hits in her shutout performance. Brittney Rivas scored the first run of the game on a solo shot during the third inning. Jessica Huseby was tremendous at the plate going 3-4 with 3 RBI’s to lead the way. The Hawks would never look back on their way to a 7-0 win.
Game two had a similar feel, defense and solid pitching reigned supreme while runs came early and often. This time it was Taysia Kaufman who drew duties in the circle. Her performance was nothing shy of great on her way to her sixth win of the season. Kelly Jahn and Jessica Huseby did their part driving home one run apiece during the first inning. Kelsie Peterson scored the only run of the day for the Trojans on a solo home run in the third.
The Blue Hawks produced 28 hits on the day while only committing 2 errors. They will finish the regular season with a second doubleheader at Dakota State. The wins took them to 28-9 and 19-3 in the DAC.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-27-10 |
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Freshman Pitcher Taysia Kaufman
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New day, new opponent, same result. The DSU softball team is rolling and their defense is a big reason why. The Hawks once again held their opponent scoreless for the fourth time in as many games to defeat Black Hills State University 6-0 and 8-0 on Tuesday in Spearfish, SD.
For the last two weeks, senior third baseman Jody Lantz has left opposing pitchers scratching their heads. Tuesday was no different as Lantz, who garnered player of the week honors this past week, hit solo shots in the second and sixth innings. Sara Jane Webster was her usual self in the circle cutting down Yellow Jacket batters on her way to her 16th win of the season.
Taysia Kaufman is only a freshman but you couldn’t tell by her pitching on Tuesday in game two. The soon to be sophomore pitched a one-hitter and although she only struck out one on the day, she allowed no walks in the 8-0 six inning win. Nickie Youngblood led the offensive charge with her first inning two-run shot while Danielle Crawford followed suit in the fifth inning with a three-run homer to cap off a five-run fifth inning. Jody Lantz’s double in the sixth inning brought home the eighth run of the game and halted things at 8-0.
The two wins bring the DSU win streak to 12 games. The Blue Hawks are 26-9 overall and 17-3 in the DAC. A DAC regular season ending four game trip to Dakota State looms on the horizon for the surging Hawks. Those games will be played on Saturday and Sunday.
Lantz Receives DAC Player of the Week Honors
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-26-10 |
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Senior Third Baseman Jody Lantz POTW
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All season long Jody Lantz has looked like somebody on a mission. The Dakota Athletic Conference Player of the Week award is a good indicator of who is hot during each week but for Lantz the award is a microcosm of the entire season. Lantz is currently batting .383 on the season with 24 RBI’s and 5 HR’s. This weekend when she stepped up to the plate her teammates in the dugout could be heard chanting “Do somethin’ crazy, do somethin’ crazy,” well her fellow Blue Hawks weren’t too far off, Lantz’s numbers at the plate were “crazy.” In two doubleheaders against the Comets she recorded a .636 batting average and a slugging percentage of 1.727 while leading the Hawks to a 4-0 weekend sweep. In her four games at the plate, the senior third basemen from St. Wallburg, SK went 7 of 11 while hitting four home runs, scoring six runs and driving in ten RBI’s.
Rain/Home Runs Fall on Comets, Hawks Stretch Streak to 10
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-25-10 |
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Rain wasn’t the only thing falling from the sky on Sunday at Gress Softball Complex. Home runs fell over the fence in abundance for the Dickinson State Softball team, nine to be exact, in only 10 innings as they dismissed Mayville State University 9-0 and 14-0.
In a 9-0 game one victory, pitcher Sara Jane Webster allowed only one hit for her 15th win of the season. Mayville pitcher Morgan Bickell had a tough day on the mound allowing 6 home runs and nine runs overall to the offensive minded Hawks. The dynamic duo of Nickie Youngblood and Jody Lantz combined for a total of 4 home runs and 6 RBI’s while Danielle Crawford and Webster both hit one base rounder apiece.
In game two, freshman pitcher Taysia Kaufman continued her growth in the circle as she allowed no runs and only gave up three hits, two of which came in the fifth inning, to pick up the win. A two-run shot by Webster in the second inning gave DSU a 5-0 jumpstart which Mayville would never recover from. Kelly Jahn would score on a passed ball later in the inning. In the third inning Vanessa Adame’s bunt single scored Brittney Rivas from third. Jody Lantz continued the hitting spree when she stepped up to the dish and knocked a three-run dinger over the right field fence. The Blue Hawks would never look back en route to a 14-0 finish, their 10th straight conference win of the season.
The Blue Hawks have six DAC games remaining and are now tied with Minot State in second place. Jamestown College leads the DAC by a half game. Dickinson State will finish their regular season on the road at Black Hills Tuesday and then at Dakota State on Friday and Saturday.
Hawks Send Comets Flying in Doubleheader
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-24-10 |
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The Dickinson State University Softball team took full advantage of the beautiful spring day Saturday as they swept Mayville State University, stretching their conference win streak to eight games.
In the first game of the doubleheader Sare Jane Webster was throwing heat while DSU hit with ease at the plate. After hitting a two-run double Webster was driven home on Kelly Jahn’s home run. After much inactivity at the plate Mayville scored it’s only two runs of the game after Webster hit Laura Kolness with a pitch and the Blue Hawks committed two errors. The Blue Hawks never trailed in game one. Brittney Rivas and Kelly Jahn were both 2-4 with 2 RBI’s apiece. Jessica Huseby was also hot going 2-3 at the dish. When all was said and done the Hawks came out with a 7-2 win.
Game two was marred with errors from both teams including a lineup mishap which Mayville State took full advantage of. The comets jetted ahead when Lydsi Maglish singled and then Best-Still homered putting them up 2-0. With chants from her teammates echoing throughout the diamond, Senior Jody Lantz stepped up big and hit a two run fence topper to even things up. In the fourth inning as the Hawks led 9-5, DSU’s Erika Arvizo scored from third on a wild pitch. The comet comeback attempt fell short in the sixth inning when Webster struck out two of the last three Mayville batters. Webster was credited with her 13th and 14th wins of the year on the day.
Webster Earns DAC Pitcher of the Week
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-19-10 |
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Sara Jane Webster has earned Dakota Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honors for April 12th through the 18th. The Junior Pitcher from Northridge, CA went 4-0 with a 0.27 ERA. During her 26 innings on the mound she allowed only 13 hits and gave up only 1 run. During her 4 games she struck out 33 and walked 5. Her back-to-back shutouts against Black Hills State included a no hitter. At the plate Webster went 7-17 including 3 RBI’s, one double, one triple and a home run.
DSU Tops Valley City in Conference Doubleheader
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-18-10 |
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The defensive clinic that the Blue Hawks put on during Friday’s doubleheader against Black Hills State was on display once again on Saturday’s games against Valley City State. DSU won the first game 5-2 and the second 11-1 in a shortened 5 inning contest. Sara Jane Webster pitched her way to both wins while only allowing 3 runs and limiting the Vikings to only 5 hits.
In game one of the day, Nickie Youngblood went 3-4 and drove in two runs. DSU scored all 5 runs in the first three innings, three of which came in the third, to make things final at 5-2.
After three innings of play in game two of the doubleheader, the Blue Hawks held onto a 3-1 lead then they exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning. All of the Blue Hawk batters joined in on the hitting parade in game two. Kelly Jahn who has been consistent all year, went 3-4 with an RBI, Vanessa Adame went 2-3 and drove in a run of her own and Jessica Husbey went 3-3 and drove in 4 RBI’s. Nickie Youngblood added 4 RBI’s as well.
The win takes the Blue Hawks to a 9-3 mark in the DAC and 18-9 overall.
Webster Picthes No-Hitter, Hawks Shutout Jackets
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-17-10 |
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The 12th ranked Blue Hawks of Dickinson State University were happy to host a home game for the first time in 23 outings and their play showed it. The day started on an emotional note with a moment of silence for their three fallen teammates who passed away earlier this year. Sara Jane Webster pitched two back to back shutout gems, the second of which resulted in a no-hitter, as the Hawks went on to defeat Black Hills State University 4-0 and 6-0. Webster had 18 strikeouts in 14 innings of work on Friday afternoon at Gress Softball Complex.
The Blue Hawks (16-9, 7-3 DAC) started the first game of the day with stifling defense and never let up. Webster was dialed in from her first pitch, striking out 13 while only allowing 4 hits. After 5 ½ innings of scoreless softball DSU started making key plays at the plate. Brittney Rivas hit a single to right center field and was then driven home by senior Kelly Jahn to get things started. In the next at bat Jody Lantz drove in pinch runner Carly Peterson and reached third base on an error from the Yellow Jackets outfield. While leading 2-0, senior Danielle Crawford put the exclamation point on the game with a two-run fence topper to center field.
Things went increasingly well for the Hawks on the defensive side in the second game of the day, especially on the mound for Webster. The All-American Pitcher didn’t let up and neither did the defense behind her as the Hawks allowed no runs the entire day. Of all the great things junior shortstop Nickie Youngblood did at the plate on Friday, and there were many; none were more important than her spectacular diving bare-handed grab and throw to first base in the fifth inning, saving Sara Jane Webster’s no-hitter. Youngblood hit a double then scored on a sacrifice bunt from Webster to bring the score to 1-0 in the first. During her next at bat Youngblood drove in two more runs while another scored on a Yellow Jacket throwing error. In the fourth inning Vanessa Adame singled, sending home pinch runner Carly Patterson. Youngblood then drove Adame home after a warning track shot to center field. Webster, who shined on the day, walked a batter, hit another batter and allowed another on an error when she misplayed a ball in the second inning. Webster credited the Hawks team defense for the performances, “A pitcher can’t strike out every batter,” she said, “My defense really was behind me. They had my back on the outs that we needed.” Webster, now 9-3 on the season, struck out five batters in the no-hitter.
DSU will travel to Valley City State for two crucial conference doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday.
Hawks Drop Two at Jamestown
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-12-10 |
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Following an abundant day at the plate on Saturday, the DSU Women’s Softball team took a step backwards on Sunday dropping two games at Jamestown College. The eighth ranked Blue Hawks fell in game one of the day 2-1 to the resilient Jimmies who had dropped two games the day before. Jimmie Catcher Courtney Wong drove in the only two runs on the day which proved to be all they would need. After starting things off with an RBI single in the first, her Home Run in the fourth inning proved to be the difference down the stretch. Vanessa Adame was the only Blue Hawk to cross the plate on the day. Kate Street now 10-3 got the win after pitching the entire game while only allowing one unearned run and striking out three. Kelly Jahn and Erika Arvizo mounted a potential rally in the sixth with a double and a single but things fizzled after a fly out and two groundouts to end the inning. Sara Jane Webster took the loss but only gave up two runs on four hits.
After three scoreless innings to start the final game of the doubleheader, Jamestown broke away and scored four runs throughout the final three innings to get the 4-2 win. Nickie Youngblood got the Blue Hawks on the board with a two run shot in the fourth to give DSU it’s only lead of the day at 2-1. After pitching three scoreless innings, freshman Taysia Kaufman was finally broken by JC’s Page Studler who doubled to left field scoring a run. Jamestown brought home two more runs in the fifth inning to put the Jimmies ahead for good.
DSU will look to bounce back as they host Black Hills State for a doubleheader April 15th at 2:00 and 4:00.
Hawks Topple Jimmies in Clean Sweep
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-11-10 |
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Kelly Jahn 1st Basemen
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DSU flexed its muscles at the plate early and often on Saturday against the Jimmies and never looked back. The Blue Hawks offered up sixteen hits en route to a 14-1 victory in game one of the Dakota Athletic Conference doubleheader. Kelly Jahn had video game-like stats connecting for six hits with a home run and two doubles while driving in five runs. Jahn’s homer in the second inning was complemented by Sara Jane Webster’s fence topper in the fourth. Webster drove in four runs. Both ladies finished one triple short of the cycle. All of the offense manufactured by the Blue Hawks was backed with a significant amount of defense on the day to boot. Webster pitched a gem, striking out seven, while only giving up five hits and one earned run in seven innings of work.
The Blue Hawks bats remained hot during the second game of the day. The trend from game one carried over to the second contest as the Hawks garnered thirteen hits. The Jimmies faired a little better in the second outing but could not topple the Blue Hawks who once again emerged victorious in a 6-3 battle. Nickie Youngblood started things off on a high note with a lead-off Home Run helping her team to a four run first inning which the Jimmies were never able to surmount. Youngblood had three RBI’s on the day as well. Also strong at the plate were Sara Jane Webster and Kelly Jahn who sparked their squad with a Home Run apiece. Trina Guillen got the win for the Hawks and improved to 3-1 on the year. The win brings the Hawks to a 5-1 mark in the DAC and 14-7 overall.
Dickinson State will look for a repeat performance as they face off in another doubleheader against Jamestown today at 1:00.
Split Snaps Hawks 23 Game Regular-Season Streak
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-04-10 |
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Jody Lantz Senior 3rd Baseman
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Battling back from a 4-0 deficit to start the game while only mustering three hits off of Minot’s Mandy Greenburg, the Blue Hawks somehow found a way to win in the third contest of the Dakota Athletic Conference season. An RBI double by Erika Arvizo, a scored run by Vanessa Guevara and another by Nathalie Martinez on Taysia Kaufman’s fielder’s choice brought the Hawks to within one. Then it was time for senior third basemen Jody Lantz to shine in the clutch. Lantz hit a two run shot which sent the ball and Minot’s hopes to win the game over the fence, helping the Hawks prevail 5-4. Sara Jane Webster improved her mark on the season to 7-3 while walking four and striking out eight in seven innings on the hill.
The 23 game regular-season win streak which the DSU Women’s Softball team had compiled in DAC play was halted in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Hawks left thirteen runners on base in the 6-2 loss. The beavers were sparked by Melissa Elliott, who drove in two of her four RBI’s in the third inning and another strong performance from pitcher Mandy Greenburg who had taken the loss in the first game. Kelly Jahn had an RBI in the first inning and Carly Peterson went 2-4 while driving the only other Hawk run in the fourth. The win takes MSU to 10-10 overall and 1-3 in the DAC.
Now 12-7 overall and 3-1 in the DAC, the Blue Hawks must look towards next Saturday and Sunday, where they will face Jamestown on the road for a four game stint.
Hawks Sweep Beavers in DAC Season Opener
| Andre Goldberg |
| April-03-10 |
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In game one of the Dakota Athletic Conference season opener against Minot State University, the DSU Women’s softball team exploded at the plate, hitting three home runs en route to a 7-5 win in the early session of the day. Erika Arvizo’s two run bomb and Danielle Crawford’s solo shot led the charge. Mandy Greenburg struck out eleven in the losing effort. The game teeter-tottered back and forth throughout; After the Hawks jumped out to a 4-1 lead on Nickie Youngblood’s 3 run blast, Minot stormed back answering with three runs of their own to tie the game at four apiece. Arvizo and Crawford then stepped up to seal the deal with their home runs. Due to the weather and field conditions at Gress Complex the games were played in Glendive MT,
The second game of the day showcased the pitching talents of freshman Taysia Kaufman and the hot bats of several Blue Hawk hitters. In one of her best performances of the season thus far, Kaufman pitched five innings and struck out four to get the win. Sara Jane Webster sparked the Hawks at the plate knocking two solo shots over the fence. Youngblood and Crawford also homered in the game. Minot state couldn’t manufacture any runs on the day and the final read 9-0.
DSU, now 11-6 and 2-0 in the DAC, will face Minot State once again tomorrow at 1:00 pm in Glendive.
  
Baseball and Softball Time and Location Changes for Weekend Games
| by Ryan Platt |
| April-01-10 |
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The Dickinson State University Blue Hawk Athletic Department is announcing the time and location changes for the upcoming April 2-3, Friday and Saturday games. The change is due to deteriorating weather and playing conditions. Both Blue Hawk Teams will be playing Minot State University to kick off the DAC season in Glendive, Montana.
The Blue Hawk baseball team will be playing at the Glendive Fairgrounds and the softball team will be playing at Glendive Community College. Both teams will be playing at 1:00 and 3:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Tucson Trip Ends With Split
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-21-10 |
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After beating St. Ambrose 6-5 and falling to the University of British Colombia 8-5, the DSU Women’s Softball team closed out the 2010 Tucson Invitational. The split on the day takes them to an overall record of 9-6.
After a three hit one run performance on Friday against SCAD, the Blue Hawks rebounded nicely and exploded for eighteen hits and ten runs against St. Ambrose. Jessica Huseby had two doubles and two RBI’s while going 3-4 at the plate to help the Blue Hawks to their ninth win of the young season. Other hot bats included Nickie Youngblood who went 4-5 with an RBI and Brittney Rivas who went 3-5 with an RBI.
When the Hawks couldn’t retain the same offensive firepower it had shown earlier in the day and had a few defensive shortcomings, it landed them in trouble as the they closed out the Tucson Invitational with a 8-5 loss to the University of British Colombia. Sara Jane Webster gave up 11 hits and wasn’t backed by enough defense as the Hawks committed five errors in the field. Danielle Crawford went 2-4 with an RBI and Vanessa Adame drove in two runs while going 2-3.
DSU will now face Minot State April 2nd and 3rd to open the Dakota Athletic Conference season.
  
Losses Snap 6 Game Win Streak
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-20-10 |
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The Dickinson State Women’s Softball team came within a few innings of knocking off the number one team in the nation Friday at the Tucson Invitational, they then fell to SCAD in the second outing of the day. The losses to California Baptist and #23 Savannah College of Art and Design snapped a six game win streak coming into the day.
The #2 Blue Hawks looked great to start the game as they went up by six runs heading into the bottom of the third inning. The Hawks wouldn’t score again and the number one team in the nation would go on to score eight unanswered runs, three of which landed in the sixth inning, to cap off the comeback. Cal Baptists’ Caty Reeves hit a solo home run in the sixth to tie the game at six apiece. After two DSU errors, Cal Baptists’ Tina Galinato, who went 4-4 on the day, would drive in the go-ahead run. Sara Jane Webster took her first loss of the season in the outing.
The second game of the day ended in disappointing fashion as the Hawks managed only three hits and one run in a 7-1 loss to Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD, who DSU had beaten 12-0 in their previous meeting, looked sharp and so did pitcher Sam White who threw a three-hitter to get the win. Lantz, Crawford and Youngblood had DSU’s only base hits of the game.
DSU will now play St. Ambrose and the University of British Colombia to finish out the road trip.
Hawks Win Streak Pushed to 6
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-18-10 |
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The Blue Hawk Women’s Softball team is starting to hit its stride. DSU is now 8-3 and has won 6 straight after defeating Dakota Wesleyan 6-3 and St. Ambrose 6-2 at the Tucson Invitational.
Sara Jane Webster hit a 3 run homer to give DSU the go ahead runs it needed against Dakota Wesleyan. Freshman Taysia Kaufman pitched her way to her second win in as many starts. Kelly Jahn was her usual self going 2-4 at the plate while driving in a run. Jody Lantz had 2 RBI’s during the first and fourth innings to help make things final at 6-3.
In the second outing, Sara Jane Webster was the difference in the game. In the midst of striking out twelve and only allowing four hits, she managed to hit a solo shot, her second Home Run of the day. Erika Arvizo went 3-3 at the plate to help seal the win.
The Blue Hawks must now look forward to the task of facing #1 California Baptist as well as #23 Ranked Savannah College of Art and Design who they beat 12-0 on Wednesday.
 
Two More Wins in Tucson
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-17-10 |
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Story: DSU gained two more victories at the Tucson Invitational on Wednesday defeating Missouri Valley 5-1 and Savannah College of Art and Design 12-0. Once again defense reigned supreme as the Hawks had zero errors on the day.
During the first game of the day, Sara Jane Webster remained hot on the hill giving up only 2 hits and striking out nine against Missouri Valley. The tandem of Jody Lantz and Kelly Jahn were at it again, Jahn drove in the 1-1 tying run to get things started in the third and Lantz drove in the go ahead run in the fifth. Danielle Crawford chipped in with a double in the sixth to make things final at 5-1.
In the second outing of the day, Savannah College of Art and Design only lasted five innings as Taysia Kaufman pitched a two hitter in her first win on the mound. The Blue Hawks ousted #23 ranked Savannah College of Art and Design 12-0. Jahn and Lantz continued their dynamic day combining for six RBI’s between the two of them.
DSU now 6-3 will face Dakota Wesleyan and St. Ambrose tomorrow afternoon.
Big 5th Innings/Defense Lead Hawks to Victory
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-16-10 |
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After losing to Missouri Valley College 6-2 on Sunday, The DSU Women’s Softball team (4-3) regained its composure and dealt a 6-1 loss to #5 Lubbock Christian and an 8-0 shutout loss to Dakota Wesleyan. Scoring five runs in the fifth inning against Lubbock Christian and six runs in the fifth against Dakota Wesleyan, the Blue Hawks stayed strong defensively throughout the day.
During the first outing, Sara Jane Webster gave up seven hits while striking out six to get the win. After four tough innings pitched by Lubbock Christian’s Alyssa Gutierrez the Blue Hawks mounted a fifth inning barrage to propel them to victory. Nickie Youngblood went 3-4 with 2 RBI’s. Danielle Crawford had 2 RBI’s while going 1-3; Kelly Jahn and Jody Lantz were both responsible for driving in runs on the day as well.
The second game of the day saw Trina Guillen throw a two hit shutout to gain her first win of the season. Guillen struck out four in the process. The shutout was the first of the season for the Blue Hawks. Brittney Rivas had a team high 3 RBI’s while Kelly Jahn continued her tear at the plate going 2-3 with 2 RBI’s.
Up next for the Blue Hawks are Missouri Valley and #23 Savannah College of Art and Design.
Hawks Rebound, Win 2
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-13-10 |
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Webster
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In the span of one day the DSU Women’s Softball team rebounded from two season opening losses and came out looking like the #2 team in the nation. In her first action of the season, All-American Sara Jane Webster hit the ground running and sparked the Blue Hawks to a 4-2 win over MidAmerica Nazarene (14-2), for their first win of the year. Webster struck out seven and only gave up 3 hits in the contest. Kelly Jahn remained solid at the plate going 2-3 while driving in 2 runs. The defensive effort was the best of the young season.
In the second game of the day against Judson University, Webster drove in 9 runs, hit a Grand Slam and came in to relieve Taysia Kaufman, to get the 15-6 win. Second Basemen Jessica Huseby recorded two doubles on the day and drove in 5 RBI’s. Falling behind 5-3 in the Fourth, the Blue Hawks exploded offensively, scoring six runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Brittney Rivas went 2-3 and had 1 RBI.
The Blue Hawks (2-2) won’t get much of a break at the Tucson Invitational as they face Missouri Valley College, Minnesota West Community College, Dakota Wesleyan and #5 Ranked Lubbock Christian.
Hawks Drop Tough Season Openers
| Andre Goldberg |
| March-12-10 |
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The DSU Women’s Softball team began the season with a tough task. Facing Robert Morris (Ill.) and Calumet College of St. Joseph (MO), two teams who had already played over 20 games between them, the Blue Hawks dropped both games of the season opening doubleheader.
Robert Morris, who came into the contest having already played 18 games, jumped on the Blue Hawks early. Without the services of four starters and facing a tall emotional mountain, the Blue Hawks had nine errors and managed just two hits at the Tucson Invitational. Taysia Kaufman got the start in game 1 and also took the loss. Despite tough efforts the final read 17-0.
In their second outing, despite a much better effort at the plate (connecting for 13 hits), the Hawks dropped their second game of the season 11-7 to Calumet College of St. Joseph. Calumet was playing it’s 15th game of the season. Nicki Youngblood went 2-4 from the plate with 2 RBI’s, Kelly Jahn went 3-4 with 3 RBI’s and Dani Benito went 3-4 with a triple. Trina Guillen got the start in the second game.
The Blue Hawks will retain the services of Sara Jane Webster as they look to rebound against MidAmerica Nazarene and Judson University.
Dickinson State Voted #2 Best in Preseason NAIA Poll
| --Courtesy NAIA |
| February-02-10 |
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Defending national champion California Baptist has been tabbed as the No. 1 team in the NAIA Softball Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll, the NAIA announced Tuesday. The Lancers were the unanimous pick, earning all 23 first-place votes and tallying 653 points. Dickinson State (N.D.) is listed second with 629 points. Oklahoma City and Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) are tied for third with 594 points and Lubbock Christian rounds out the top-five teams with 549 points.
No. 1 California Baptist returns 12 starters from its 2009 national championship team, including 2009 NAIA Pitcher of the Year, Tory Ferreira. Ferreira became the first pitcher in NAIA history to go undefeated and have at least 20 wins, as a freshman. The 2009 NAIA National Championship MVP Ashley Boyd returns for her senior season. The senior shortstop set school single-season records for home runs (16), hits (100), runs scored (82) and total bases (178). The Lancers finished last season with a school record 61 wins, on their way to winning the school’s first softball championship.
No. 22 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), No. 23 Savannah College of Art and Design (Ga.) and No. 25 McKendree (Ill.) all make an appearance in the poll after finishing the 2009 season unranked.
Four conferences, Golden State Athletic Conference, Sooner Athletic Conference, Southern States Athletic Conference and Association of Independent Institutions, each have three teams listed in the initial poll for the 2010 season.
The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences. The first regular-season poll will be announced on March 23.
Dickinson State Favored in DAC Softball Poll
--Courtesy Dakota Athletic Conference
(Dickinson, ND) – Following their third place finish in the 2009 NAIA National Tournament, Dickinson State is the choice to capture the conference title in the 2010 Dakota Athletic Conference Softball Coaches’ Preseason Poll.
The Blue Hawks, under first year head coach Kristen Fluery, picked up six first place votes to top the balloting. Jamestown College received the final first place vote to finish second. Minot State placed third. Valley City State, who had their 2009 season shortened due to flooding, finished fourth with Black Hills State, Dakota State and Mayville State rounding out the poll.
The first games of the 2010 season are scheduled for February 27 with the first conference games slated for March 20.
The poll was conducted by the Dakota Athletic Conference.
DSU Softball Extends Thanks to All Well-Wishers
| by Galen Morton, SID |
| January-10-10 |
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The Dickinson State University softball team was met with a tragic loss this fall. Three lives were cut short--Afton Williamson, Kyrstin Gemar and Ashley Neufeld--in an accidental drowning when the vehicle they were in on a night of stargazing, plunged to the bottom of a livestock pond. The reverberations coursed through the DSU community: coaches, players, former players, students and family.
It turns out however, that the Dickinson State family is much greater than anyone might have supposed. Head Coach Kristin Fleury, who also played at DSU and is now in her fifth year with the program, has been deluged with cards, emails, text messages, flowers and plants, monetary donations, equipment. The list goes on and on and is still growing. Coach Fleury has a box of mail in her office that is overflowing. “Thanks from all of us, thanks so much to everyone; your support has been incredible,” Coach Fleury effused.
The pieces have arrived from New York to California, Florida to Seattle and, it seems, every state and hamlet in between. The support gained by this outreach had its immediate effect, but it has also accomplished a lot in terms of helping the Blue Hawk softball team stay united and be able to withstand all forthcoming uncertainties as a team.
“We are all amazed,” Coach Fleury added. “The close-knit softball community, and in fact, athletic community at all levels, has been incredibly supportive and sensitive (One of the well-wishes came from a 10 year-old-and-under club team, while many others came from athletic programs outside of softball.). We have well over 500 cards, many of them hand-crafted and they have come from grandparents and aunts and uncles--not just players and coaches.”
There have been fundraisers in town too. The DSU cross-country team organized a 5K run and there was a benefit breakfast held at Sanford’s restaurant. To date, the funds raised have exceeded $10,000 and the money has been redirected by request of the victims’ families into, what is hoped to become, a scholarship fund in perpetuity for future Blue Hawk softball players.
“Healing is a long and difficult process; with the unbelievable support that our team has received, we have stayed together as sisters and are closer than before, closer than I could have ever imagined,” Coach Fleury continued.
The 2010 season begins on March 12 in Tucson, Ariz., and is still two months away, but thanks to the overwhelming support, the Blue Hawks softball team will be strong enough to move forward. The players may have a lump in their throats and heavy hearts, but eventually they will be able to respond to the familiar announcement of spring: Play Ball!
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