Dickinson State rode a dominant pitching performance from Alison Eldridge to a 3–0 shutout win over Valley City State on Saturday. Eldridge tossed a complete game, scattering five hits and striking out four without allowing a run or walk, keeping Valley City's bats quiet throughout.
The Blue Hawks struck early, plating two runs in the bottom of the first thanks to clutch hits by Brooke Lijewski and Bailey Hansen. Hansen added another RBI in the fifth, extending Dickinson State's lead to 3–0. Celina Wilharm led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance and two stolen bases, while Allyson Farrington added a double and a run scored.
Despite solid defense—including a double play turned by Diemert, Banerd, and Gronberg—Valley City State couldn't generate enough offense to break through. Logan Gronberg led the Vikings with a 2-for-2 day at the plate, and Kennadi Stone doubled, but the team left six runners on base.
Valley starter Maddy Zander went the distance, striking out five and giving up seven hits, but three hit-by-pitches and timely hits from the Blue Hawks proved to be the difference.
In the second game of the double header, Valley City State exploded for 10 runs in the final three innings to rally past Dickinson State, securing a 10–6 road victory. The game remained scoreless through three innings before Dickinson State broke the ice with a 3-run fourth. Valley City State responded emphatically in the fifth, plating four runs and adding four more in the sixth to take control of the contest.
Madison Hazelton led Valley City State from the circle, while offensive contributions were spread throughout the lineup, helping the visitors notch 10 hits on the day. Despite a late push from Dickinson State after a lengthy rain delay who added three runs across the sixth and seventh innings, Valley City's insurance runs proved too much to overcome.
Celina Wilharm had a strong showing at the plate for Dickinson State, going 2-for-4, while Ashlee Potter, Cassidy Venner, and Kara Conway each contributed hits in the loss. The game marked a gritty comeback win for Valley City State, showcasing their resilience and timely hitting down the stretch.