Roos Slip to Hot-Hitting South Dakota State

Friday, April 5

Brookings, SD

2:00 PM

Kansas City

14-22, 0

South Dakota State

22-18, 0

Kansas City

South Dakota State

Photo by: Francie Wilson

Roos Slip to Hot-Hitting South Dakota State

4/5/2024 7:42:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Game One Highlights Game Two Highlights

Kansas City had its share of offensive chances but could not hold on to a lead

BROOKINGS, SD— It was an offensive battle between Kansas City (14-23, 3-5) and South Dakota State (23-18, 7-0) from the start, but the Roos rally attempts fell short in both matchups allowing SDSU to take game one, 8-1, and game two, 5-2. Kansas City faced struggles in the circle during both games, with every pitcher making an appearance in the doubleheader. Both Camryn Stickel and Katie Noble notched two strikeouts each on the day. Briona Woods was a key player for Kansas City in both matchups, making a handful of clutch plays in the field and leading the Roos at the plate with three hits on the day, including a solo home run. Woods's RBI cut the deficit to two runs, but an explosive South Dakota State posed too much for Kansas City.

Abby Husak was an offensive force for the Roos in the doubleheader. She was the only player besides Woods to earn hits in both games, and her single in the second matchup gave KC a momentary lead over the Jackrabbits. Lauren Parker marked another strong performance for the in the second matchup, earning two outs in the bottom of the third and a double to open scoring for Kansas City in the top of the fifth. Another multi-run fifth inning from South Dakota State put the Roos in a tough position, and a rally attempt in the sixth fell short, allowing SDSU to come away with another win.

KEY MOMENTS | GAME ONE | HIGHLIGHTS

Top 1 / 0-0 | The Roos had a scoring opportunity early as Husak was hit by a pitch to open the inning. Kadin Vire advanced her to second with a sacrifice bunt, but the Jackrabbits grabbed two quick outs, sending Kansas City to the field. SDSU got to work quickly, bringing in three runs.
Top 4 / 3-1| Woods blasted one to center field, earning her third home run of the season with just one out. Her solo home run put the Roos on the scoreboard, but the Jackrabbits earned outs on the next two plays, stifling Kansas City's momentum.
Bottom 4/ 3-1| Sheridon Wilber entered the circle to relieve Stickel. Wilber went three up, three down keeping Kansas City within scoring distance of SDSU.
Top 5 / 3-1| Kansas City saw its best scoring opportunity of the game as Nichols was walked to open the inning. Noble then singled to shortstop, pushing the Roos into scoring position and a sacrifice bunt from Lauren Parker pushed the tying runners to second and third base. The Jackrabbits picked up the two outs needed to close the inning forcing Kansas City to leave two on base. In the bottom of the inning, the Jackrabbits broke open scoring, bringing in five runs and pushing the game out of reach for KC.

KEY MOMENTS | GAME TWO | HIGHLIGHTS

Top 2 / 0-0 | Sydney Nichols hit a double to right center, notching the Roos' first hit of the second game with one out. SDSU immediately shut down the drive, picking up two more to close the inning.
Top 5 / 2-1| SDSU walked a batter and brought down two outs early in the inning. A double from Parker brought in the Roos' first run and a single to third base from Husak brought in another, giving Kansas City its first lead of the day. The Jackrabbits secured out number three and put up four runs in the bottom of the inning to reclaim the lead.
Top 6/ 5-2| Back-to-back singles from Lexy Smith and Woods gave the Roos a chance at a comeback. The Jackrabbits picked off Smith on her way to third on a fielder's choice and the final two on a double play.

STATS TO NOTE

Woods's home run in the bottom of the fourth is her third of the season. Her homer earned Kansas City's its only run of the first game and was just the second run allowed by South Dakota State during conference play. The last home run Tori Kniesche allowed was on March 2, against Arkansas.
All four of Kansas City's pitchers made appearances today with Stickel starting the first game and relief pitching in the second. This is the third time this season Stickel has appeared in both games of a true doubleheader. She pitched a total of nine innings against SIUE on March 13, and seven innings against St. Thomas on March 23.
The last time the Roos have a home run against South Dakota State was on May 13, 2021. Kloe Hilbrenner brought in a three RBI home run to secure the game. That win is the Roos' most recent over SDSU.

UP NEXT
The Roos and the Jackrabbits wrap up the series tomorrow at 11 a.m.