DSU softball back on track

TUCSON, Ariz. — What a difference Sara Jane Webster makes.

After sitting out the Friday’s two season-opening games, the Dickinson State junior started her year off with a bang, leading the Blue Hawks to a pair of victories in the circle and at the plate Saturday during the Tucson Invitational.

Webster struck out seven and gave up just three hits as the No. 2-ranked Blue Hawks beat MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 4-2 for their first win of the season. She then hit a grand slam and drove in nine runs in a 15-6 win over Judson. Oh, and she also picked up a win in relief of freshman pitcher Taysia Kaufman.

“She is that one impact player that can really change a game out there,” DSU head coach Kristen Fleury said. “Even when we were down, she hung in there.”

The Blue Hawks (2-2) jumped on MidAmerica Nazarene early as Kelly Jahn drove in two runs on a double in the first inning and Erika Arvizo and Brittney Rivas each added RBI singles.

In Game 2, DSU fell behind 5-3 after the fourth inning — Judson’s Nicole Dimiceli hit a three-run homer off Kaufman in the third — but rallied by scoring six runs in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Webster’s grand slam came with two outs in the sixth inning and sparked the runaway final two innings.

“That got the ball rolling,” Fleury said.

Webster’s outstanding day overshadowed a five-RBI performance by senior second baseman Jessica Huseby, who had two doubles.

Brittney Rivas went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

“Those last two innings … hopefully that rolls into tomorrow,” Fleury said.

The Blue Hawks face Missouri Valley College at 1:30 p.m. today and then play a junior varsity game against Minnesota West Community College. They face No. 5-ranked Lubbock Christian and Dakota Wesleyan on Monday.