SDSU softball falls in series opener to Mavs

OMAHA, Neb. (SDSU) – Omaha used a quality start in the circle and took advantage of miscues en route to a 7-1 win over South Dakota State on Friday, April 17, in the opening game of their Summit League series at Connie Claussen Field.

The Mavericks got on the board in the first inning and never trailed. A one-out drawn by Taylor Sedlacek led to the next batter in Bailey Sample hitting a two-run home run.

SDSU starting pitcher Amanda Vacanti put the Omaha lineup down in order in the second inning behind two strikeouts. The Mavericks got their first two base runners in the third on base via fielding errors, eventually leading to a three-run inning as Omaha pushed its lead to 5-0.

The Jackrabbits scored a run in the top of the fifth on a solo home run courtesy of Ella Berlage. It was the second home run of the season for the freshman infielder.

Omaha scored two more runs to close out the scoring on the day. The Mavericks were buoyed by a solid effort by reigning Summit League Pitcher of the Year Maddia Groff. The junior pitcher gave up just four hits and a run across six innings of work. She struck out 12 batters and walked one.

SDSU’s pitching contingent of Vacanti, Akayla Barnard and  allowed just seven hits in the game. They combined to allow four earned runs. Vacanti was charged with the defeat in the circle.