Orange City, Iowa - Dakota Wesleyan split a doubleheader with Northwestern. In the first game, the Tigers lost 5-4 despite a home run and three RBIs from Peyton Bagley. In the second game, Dakota Wesleyan broke Northwestern's 18-game win streak with a 6-4 extra-inning victory, highlighted by Jaycee Tebay's two-run home run in the 10th inning. Keirstyn Krcil and Alison Ernsberger combined for a strong pitching performance, securing the Tigers' first win over Northwestern since 2018.
Game 1 - Dakota Wesleyan 4, Northwestern (Iowa) 5
Dakota Wesleyan dropped a close 5-4 contest to Northwestern at the NWC Softball Complex in Orange City, Iowa. The Tigers recorded six hits and committed two errors in the loss, falling to 28-12 overall and 9-6 in GPAC play. Northwestern improved to 35-5 and remained unbeaten in conference action at 15-0.
Peyton Bagley led Dakota Wesleyan offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run. Jaden Warner added one RBI on a single, while Ashlen Johnson and Jordyn Blogg each contributed a hit. The Tigers scored in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th innings, but were unable to hold the lead late. Bagley also recorded five putouts and an assist defensively. Dakota Wesleyan stranded four runners and stole three bases.
Starting pitcher Alison Ernsberger went 6.1 innings, allowing four hits and five runs (three earned) while walking two and striking out four. She also hit two batters and threw two wild pitches. Defensively, the Tigers committed both of their errors in the field by the catcher. Northwestern scored single runs in six of the seven innings, including the walk-off run in the bottom of the seventh.
Game 2 - Dakota Wesleyan 6, Northwestern (Iowa) 4
Dakota Wesleyan snapped Northwestern's 18-game winning streak and handed the No. 7-ranked Red Raiders their first GPAC loss of the season with a 6-4 extra-inning win in Orange City. The victory marked Dakota Wesleyan's first over Northwestern since 2018 and moved the Tigers to 29-12 overall and 10-6 in conference play.
Tied 3-3 entering the 10th inning, Dakota Wesleyan broke through with a three-run frame. Jaycee Tebay delivered the biggest swing of the game, launching a two-run home run, while Sophie Wietzema and McKinnely Mull each added doubles and RBIs. Mull finished 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, and a stolen base. Jaden Warner chipped in with two hits and an RBI of her own.
Keirstyn Krcil started in the circle and went seven innings, giving up three earned runs on seven hits. Alison Ernsberger threw the final three innings, allowing just one unearned run and two hits to earn the win. Dakota Wesleyan played clean defensively, committing no errors and stranding nine Northwestern runners. The result not only ended Northwestern's perfect GPAC record but also snapped a six-year drought in the head-to-head series.
Up Next
The Tigers will host Doane (Neb.) this Thursday for a doubleheader slated for 3:00 p.m. at Dr. McWhirter Field.