NDSU Softball Tops Kansas City to Take Series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – North Dakota State softball wrapped up the opening weekend of Summit League play with a 4-2 win on the road at Kansas City in the rubber match of the series Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bison took an early lead in the top of the first as Amai Hanta singled to lead off the game, stole second and then later came around to score on a wild pitch.
 
NDSU would add to the lead in the second inning, as Lileigh Nieto’s comebacker to the pitcher forced an error and allowed Zoe King to score from third. In the next at bat, Hanta beat out an infield single that allowed Ella Claus to score and put NDSU in front 3-0.
 
Kansas City would score a run in the sixth, recording back-to-back doubles to start the inning for the first run of the game for the Roos.
 
The Bison would add to the lead in the top of the seventh with a two-out rally to extend the lead to 4-1. Hanta drew a walk and then stole second. After another walk by Star Cortez, Hanta came around to score on an RBI single from Rylee Henderson.
 
Kansas City would add a run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Bison turned a double play to end the game, with the final out stopping a run at the plate to secure the victory and the series.
 
Addie Bowers went five innings in the circle, allowing one run on seven hits with four strikeouts. Kaitlyn Dunford picked up a two-inning save, allowing one run on one hit with a strikeout.
 
Hanta finished 2-for-3 in the game with a walk. She had an RBI and two runs scored. She also had three stolen bases. Henderson also had two hits and a walk, with the other Bison RBI.
 
The Bison will have a week off before returning to action on April 1 with the final non-conference games scheduled for the regular season with a doubleheader at Wisconsin.