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Mitchell Today
By the People, for the People
Dakota Wesleyan Softball Sweeps Briar Cliff, Takes GPAC Lead
The Tigers improve to 26-11 overall and 9-1 in conference play ahead of the Easter break.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:48am
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Dakota Wesleyan's softball team takes control of the GPAC standings with a home sweep, putting them in prime position for the final stretch.Mitchell TodayThe Dakota Wesleyan University softball team swept a home doubleheader against Briar Cliff on Monday, winning 6-1 and 6-4 to move into first place in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) standings. The wins improve DWU's record to 26-11 overall and 9-1 in GPAC play, ahead of the Easter break in conference action.
Why it matters
The sweep puts DWU in sole possession of first place in the GPAC, a key position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. With most other GPAC teams having played fewer conference games, DWU has a chance to build a lead atop the standings during this break.
The details
In the opening game, DWU scored four runs in the first inning and pitcher Alison Ernsberger threw a complete game, allowing one run and striking out 11. Ashlen Johnson hit a double and a two-run home run to lead the Tigers' offense. In the second game, DWU trailed 4-0 before erupting for six runs in the fifth inning, including a three-run home run by Lydia Yost, to rally for the win. Mandalyn Nachtigall earned the pitching victory for the Tigers.
- The games were originally scheduled for Wednesday but moved up to Monday to avoid expected winter weather.
- DWU has a 9-1 record in the GPAC with 10 games played, while most other teams have only played 8 conference games so far.
- No other GPAC games are scheduled until April 7, giving DWU a chance to build on their lead during the Easter break.
The players
Alison Ernsberger
The DWU pitcher threw a complete game in the opening win, allowing one run and striking out 11 batters.
Ashlen Johnson
The DWU player hit a double and a two-run home run to drive in three runs in the first game.
Mandalyn Nachtigall
The DWU pitcher battled through a tough start to earn the win in the second game, her 10th of the season.
Lydia Yost
The DWU player hit her first career home run, a three-run shot, to spark the Tigers' comeback in the second game.
Briar Cliff
The Chargers dropped to 12-22 overall and 2-8 in GPAC play after the two losses.
What’s next
DWU, which has won eight games in a row and is 6-0 in home games this season, next plays on April 8 at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa.
The takeaway
Dakota Wesleyan's softball team has taken control of the GPAC standings with a pair of home wins over Briar Cliff, putting them in prime position to maintain their lead during the upcoming Easter break in conference play.
