South Dakota secured its first Summit League series victory of the season with a 7-5 win over North Dakota in Grand Forks on April 20.
The result marks an important milestone for the Coyotes, who used a five-run sixth inning to clinch the rubber match and take the series. Home runs from Allie Cromer and Abi Brown provided key offensive power, while Madison Evans delivered a complete game performance in the pitching circle.
The Coyotes started strong with Autumn Iversen hitting a lead-off double, setting up early pressure that resulted in two runs after an error by North Dakota. Despite allowing a home run to Makenna Alexander that tied the game at 2-2 in the third inning, Evans responded by striking out three batters to end the threat. The bats were quiet for South Dakota until Sara Iburg broke through with her second hit of the afternoon in the sixth inning. A passed ball advanced runners into scoring position before Cromer hit her second home run of both the weekend and season, driving in three runs for a 5-2 lead. Brown followed with another home run to center field, extending South Dakota’s advantage to five runs.
North Dakota attempted a comeback in their final at-bat, loading runners and narrowing the deficit with Camryn Lasota’s three-run homer. However, Evans recorded two more outs to secure both her eighth win of the season and her thirteenth complete game.
Evans pitched all seven innings for South Dakota, allowing five hits and five runs while striking out eight batters from North Dakota. This win gives momentum to South Dakota as they prepare for their next matchup against Drake Bulldogs on April 21 at Nygaard Field in Vermillion.
Looking ahead, South Dakota will continue its busy schedule as it welcomes Drake Bulldogs for their first visit to Vermillion for a single game.