Aberdeen, S.D.(VCSUVikings.com) – The Viking softball team split their first double header of conference play this weekend against the Presentation College Saints. The VCSU softball team, now 21-7 (4-2 NSAA), continues conference play Saturday afternoon against Waldorf University.

Presentation College 5, Valley City State University 4

The game was tied going into the third inning until Presentation exploded for four runs in the third inning. Presentation came out on top with a 5-4 victory over VCSU.

VCSU senior Haley Butterfield started from the circle in game one, tossing two innings and giving up two earned runs. Emily Smith threw the last four innings giving up one earned run and striking out two.

The Vikings ended game one with six total hits. Joelle Aiello and Kelsey Hamade both had two hits and tripled in the game. Jayme Menard and Kadie Anderson each had one hit in the game as well.

Valley City State University 9, Presentation College 2

The VCSU softball team bats came alive in the second game of this conference double header with a 9-2 victory.

The Vikings were lead offensively by senior Kelsey Hamade who had 4 hits in the game. Autumn Perry, Voni Culp, Brittney Manthie, and Tatum Lundin all had two hits in the game. Lundin and Manthie drove in five of VCSU’s 9 runs. The Vikings also had quite the day on the base paths with six stolen bases in the game. Voni Culp led all base stealers with three for the game.

Freshman Nichole Reed had an impressive start from the circle in game two. Reed tossed five innings, gave up two hits, no runs, and struck out four. Emily Smith finished the last two innings and allowed two runs.

Pending on weather and field conditions, the next action for the Vikings is this upcoming weekend against conference rival University of Jamestown. There will be two conference games Friday and Saturday, both with starting times at 1 p.m.