DWU softball splits regular-season ending doubleheader against Morningside

MITCHELL – The Dakota Wesleyan University softball team split its final two games of the regular season in a doubleheader with Morningside on Saturday at McWhirter Field.

Behind a complete-game shutout performance from Alison Ernsberger and a fifth-inning two-run home run from Sophie Wietzema, the Tigers took game one 4-0.

However, Morningside (29-15, 17-5 GPAC) took the second game 3-1, scoring one in the first inning and two in the fourth. DWU brought a run home in the fifth, but was shut out in the final two innings to prevent a comeback.

DWU finishes the regular season with a 33-14 mark, 14-8 in GPAC play and finishes fourth in the conference standings. The Tigers will await conference tournament seeding and will play their quarterfinal contest on Wednesday, April 30.

Dakota Wesleyan's Ashlen Johnson looks toward home plate against Morningside in a college softball game on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at McWhirter Field.

Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic

Dakota Wesleyan softball pitcher Alison Ernsberger pitches the ball against Morningside in a college softball game on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at McWhirter Field.

Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic

Dakota Wesleyan's Sophie Wietzema goes to hit in the ball against Morningside in a college softball game on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at McWhirter Field.

Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic

Dakota Wesleyan's Macy Moore goes to steal second base against Morningside in a college softball game on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at McWhirter Field.

Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic

Nathan Swaffar is a sports reporter for the Mitchell Republic. He joined the Mitchell Republic in July 2024 after graduating from the University of Kansas in May of 2024 with a degree in journalism and a minor in history. He covers a variety of prep and collegiate sports throughout South Dakota including USD Football.