Dakota State softball kicked off the Stars & Stripes Spring Break Classic with their first doubleheader sweep of the season, in Branson, MO.

The Trojans rallied for a 7-5 victory in the opener before erupting offensively in the second game for an 11-3 win in five innings.

Dakota State overcame an early deficit with a four-run fourth inning and held off a late Missouri Valley rally to take the opener 7-5.

Alexia Hayden had a homerun and 3 RBI for the Trojans. Gabrielle Ortega-Alves was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 stolen bases. Grace Kitterman earned the complete-game victory, allowing seven hits and five runs (three earned) with five strikeouts.

Dakota State exploded offensively in the second game, scoring 11 runs in the first three innings to secure a run-rule victory in 5-innings.

Hayden and Hannah McFarland each had 4 RBI in the victory. Maycee Bricker earned the win, limiting Missouri Valley to three hits while allowing three runs (one earned).

The sweep improved Dakota State to 4-8 on the season.