MOORHEAD, Minn. – Winona State (46-9, 27-3 NSIC) secured the two-seed in the NSIC Tournament with a sweep of Minnesota State-Moorhead (12-37, 5-25 NSIC) on Sunday. The Warriors allowed three hits per game and scored nine early runs in the sweep. The Warriors open up the NSIC Tournament on May 4 against one of four teams.
GAME ONE
Big First Inning Carries Warriors
Mariah Schultz got the scoring started when she drove in
Lani Van Zyl with a double to center field in the top of the first.
Alison Nowak delivered the third straight two-out double, driving in Schultz to double the WSU lead. After
Shaye Witte singled,
Jamee Schleis doubled to center, driving in Nowak and Witte. Schleis would come home on Keegan's double to right center.
The Warriors added to their lead in the top of the fifth when
Samantha McLean drove in Schleis with a single up the middle. Winona State put the game away in the sixth when Witte and Schleis had back-to-back, two-out RBI hits.
McKenna Larsen allowed just three hits and struck out four in six innings of work. It was the 11
th complete game shutout for Larsen this year.
GAME TWO
Another Big Inning Gives Warriors the Sweep
The Warriors big inning in the second game of the day came in the top of the second. Schleis put the Warriors on the board with a one out double to left, driving in Schultz.
Allyson O'Herron made it 2-0 with a single to left field, driving in Nowak. McLean had the big hit inning, driving in both Schleis and O'Herron with a single up the middle.
Winona State had a couple chances to add to their lead in the middle innings but the Dragons kept the game 4-0. In the meantime
Jordyn Kleman shut down MSU-Moorhead striking out seven in the first five innings of work.
In the top of the sixth Nowak singled up the middle to drive in Van Zyl, making it 5-0. Kleman finished the game with nine strikeouts, picking up her 11
th complete game shutout.
The Warriors will play at 2 p.m. on Thursday against either Northern State, Sioux Falls, Minot State or Southwest Minnesota State.
