The Dordt Defender softball team, receiving votes in the NAIA poll, swept a Great Plains Athletic Conference doubleheader against the College of Saint Mary on Friday, April 17, in Sioux Center, winning 14-3 in the opener and 11-3 in game two. Dordt is 12-4 in the conference and 31-10 this season and will host Concordia on Saturday at 1pm in the ASB Sports Complex. 

Game 1: Dordt 14, College of Saint Mary 3
Game 1 Box Score (PDF)

Dordt overcame an early deficit after the Flames used a three-run home run in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. The Defenders answered immediately in the bottom half with a two-run single from Sumaya Edwards. Dordt took control in the second inning, scoring three runs highlighted by a two-run single from Lauren Steenstra to go ahead 5-3.

The long ball fueled the Defenders over the final frames, as Taylor Schneider and Chloe Kreuz both homered in the third to extend the lead to 8-3. Dordt blew the game open with a six-run fourth inning that featured a three-run blast by Addison Stephenson-Roy and a second home run from Kreuz. Rylee Yager earned the win in the circle, striking out nine over five innings while allowing only three hits after the first frame.  

Game 1 Notes

• Dordt outhit the College of Saint Mary 15-5.
• The Defenders launched four home runs in the victory.
• Dordt's defense was perfect with zero errors, while CSM committed five.

Dordt Leaders – Game 1

• Hits: Chloe Kreuz (4), Lauren Steenstra (2), Addison Stephenson-Roy (2), Taylor Schneider (2), Annabelle Hensley (2).
• RBI: Chloe Kreuz (4), Addison Stephenson-Roy (3), Lauren Steenstra (2), Sumaya Edwards (2).
• Home Runs: Chloe Kreuz (2), Addison Stephenson-Roy (1), Taylor Schneider (1).
• Stolen Bases: Chloe Kreuz (2), Rylee Yager (1), Annabelle Hensley (1), Tera Lynn Price (1).
• Pitching: Rylee Yager (W, 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 K).

Game 2: Dordt 11, College of Saint Mary 3
Game 2 Box Score (PDF)

Dordt secured the sweep with another potent offensive display, scoring in every inning of the five-inning contest. The Defenders held a 2-0 lead heading into the third before CSM briefly took the lead on a three-run home run. Annabelle Hensley provided an immediate response with a solo home run to tie the game 3-3 in the bottom of the third.

The fourth inning proved decisive as Dordt plated five runs to pull away. Lauren Steenstra delivered the big blow of the frame with a three-run home run to left field. Chloe Kreuz added a two-run shot in the fifth, and Steenstra ended the game via the run rule with an RBI single to center. Chloe Kreuz earned the win, allowing three hits while striking out three in five innings of work.

Kreuz's three homeruns in the doubleheader run her season total to 17 and establishes a new Dordt program single season record. 

Game 2 Notes

• Dordt hitters recorded 11 hits and drew four walks.
• Three different Defenders hit home runs in the second game.
• Dordt recorded five stolen bases in the win.

Dordt Leaders – Game 2

• Hits: Lauren Steenstra (3), Chloe Kreuz (2), Rylee Yager (2), Annabelle Hensley (2).
• RBI: Lauren Steenstra (5), Chloe Kreuz (4), Rylee Yager (1), Annabelle Hensley (1).
• Home Runs: Lauren Steenstra (1), Chloe Kreuz (1), Annabelle Hensley (1).
• Stolen Bases: Rylee Yager (2), Taylor Scholting (1), Sumaya Edwards (1), Peyton Whipple (1).
• Pitching: Chloe Kreuz (W, 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K).

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