From VCSU Athletics

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUAthletics.com) – The Valley City State softball team concluded its season at the NAIA Softball Championships Tuesday after a 4-1 loss to No. 17 Our Lady of the Lake.

VCSU has had a historical season, setting numerous season, career and team records, while making its second trip to the national tournament in the last three seasons.

Valley City State ends its season with a 33-18 overall record. Our Lady of the Lake is now 45-12 on the season and remains alive in the NAIA Opening Round. OLLU will face Coastal Georgia with the winner advancing to the championship game.

Marissa Hawkins drove in VCSU’s only run on a single in the first inning but that would be all the Vikings could manage in the loss. Rebecca Duran’s 3-run homer in the third inning gave the Saints a 3-1 advantage, and Caitlyn Terrazas drove in another run with a sac fly to round out scoring in the game.

The Vikings totaled just four hits in the game as OLLU’s starting pitcher Cassandra Valdez tossed all 7 innings. Valdez picked up the win in the circle while walking three and striking out five. Marissa Hawkins led the Viking offense, going 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. Sierra Crocker and Jessica Husband each added a hit and Riley Perryman scored VCSU’s only run.

Joelle Lamontagne (21-9) got the loss in the circle while allowing four runs on seven hits. She walked three and struck out one.

OLLU managed seven hits Tuesday, led by Joanna Gonzalez who was 2-for-2 at the plate. Rebecca Duran had a 3-run home run, and the Saints scored an additional run on a sac fly from Caitlin Terrazas.