VERMILLION, S.D.--Justine Wernick's (Eagan, Minn.) grand slam highlighted UND's 10-1 win over South Dakota this morning and allowed the Fighting Sioux softball team to earn a split of their non-conference doubleheader with the Coyotes at the DakotaDome.
Wernick's blast was the big hit in a five-run first inning for UND during the second game of the twinbill, a game which the Sioux managed to score at least one run in every inning and win on the eight-run rule in the fifth inning.
Wernick was one of five Sioux to drive in runs and was aided by two RBI each by first baseman Nicole Puerling (So., Camarillo, Calif.) and second baseman Jess Price (Sr., Dalton, Minn.).
In all the Sioux pounded out 12 hits off of Coyote pitchers. USD starter Tiffany Mockenhaupt did not record a single out and gave up five earned runs and four hits, facing just five batters. Her replacements, Tagney Jones and Jasey Goedeken did not fare much better, allowing a combined five earned runs and eight hits in their five innings of work.
Meanwhile, freshman hurler Marie Kriegler (Lino Lakes, Minn.) was strong for the Sioux, pitching five innings of three-hit ball and giving up one unearned run while striking out four and walking one.
Earlier in the day the Sioux dropped a 5-3 decision to the Coyotes, with a four-run South Dakota fourth inning proving to be the difference.
UND had jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Abby Rehberger (Fr., Brainerd, Minn.) and Price RBI's in the first inning, then a Price RBI single in the third inning.
But the Coyotes responded with one run in the bottom of the third, then put together their decisive four-run rally in the fourth, which was keyed by an Ashley Weyers three-run triple.
Freshman Alicia Pearce (Maple Grove, Minn.) took the loss, giving up five runs - only two of which were earned - and six hits in six innings of work. She struck out a career-high seven and walked just one.
Tagney Jones earned the win for USD, giving up seven hits and three runs while fanning a USD season-high 11 batters.
UND (9-7) returns to action on Wednesday with a doubleheader at South Dakota State. The Sioux then travel to Augustana on Thursday and Minnesota State on Friday.
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