SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The No. 21 ranked Augustana University softball team used a big first inning to win game one, then rallied for an extra inning victory in game two, to sweep a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference doubleheader from Southwest Minnesota State on Wednesday at Bowden Field.

The Vikings (28-8, 10-2 NSIC) won the opener 11-1, before completing the sweep with a 3-2 win in eight innings.

In the opener, Augustana used a seven-run first inning to earn the victory via run-rule.

Shelby Crank (5-6) suffered the loss for SMSU allowing seven runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Athena Golling pitched three innings and allowed four runs on five hits with a pair of walks and two strikeouts.

SMSU’s lone run came in the top of the second as Madison Krog belted a solo homer to left-centerfield for her second long-ball of the season.

Mackenzie Clouse had the only other hit for the Mustangs (10-19, 5-9 NSIC).

In game two, Abbie Decker started off the first inning with a walk and later scored following a throwing error by the Viking shortstop to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead.

The lead moved to 2-0 in the third as Bailey Johnson walked to start the rally, before scoring on a two-out throwing error by the Vikings.

Augustana scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings off of SMSU starting pitcher Megan Cull.

The Vikings pushed across the game-winning run in the eighth behind a lead-off walk and then a pair of hits, including the game-winning single by Samantha Eisenreich with the bases loaded.

Cull pitched the first six innings for SMSU and allowed just two runs on six hits with five strikeouts. Golling (3-6) pitched the final 1 1/3 to take the loss giving up one run on three hits.

SMSU was limited to four hits in the nightcap with Decker, Emma Grote, Madysson Schliinz and Kali Tomlinson each collecting one hit.

Southwest Minnesota State was schedule host Minot State and U-Mary this Saturday and Sunday, but the four games have been canceled due to poor weather. SMSU is next scheduled to play on Tuesday, April 17, at defending NCAA champion Minnesota State.

Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications