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DICKINSON, N.D. - One big swing, paired with a solid performance in the circle helped the Carroll Softball team stave-off elimination on Friday morning, as they took out eighth-seeded Dakota State in the first loser-out game of the 2026 Frontier Conference Tournament.

The Fighting Saints got on the board first, and in a big way. A two-out rally featuring singles from Demi Lagourgue (Windsor, Calif. / FR), Brynn Notbohm (Miles City, Mont. / SO), and Kati Slater (Yamhill, Ore. / SR) loaded the bases for Madison Walker (Ridgefield, Wash. / JR). Walker blasted a grand slam down the line in left, giving Carroll a 4-0 lead after two.

The Trojans battled back in the third inning, scoring three runs on three hits, but Carroll would have a response. Kati Slater picked up an infield single, and a throwing error would allow a pair of Saints to cross home plate to give Carroll a three-run lead at 6-4.

Slater came up clutch once again in the sixth, tacking-on one insurance run on a single up the middle.

The Saints gave up one run in the seventh, but McKinley Ermshar (Battleground, Wash. / SO) punched-out a pair of batters to close the book on her good day in the circle - and Dakota State's season.

Ermshar went all seven innings, allowing four earned on eight hits and one walk, while striking-out five Trojan batters.

A trio of Saints tallied two hits in the win, including Brooke Thompson (Billings, Mont. / JR, 2-4), Lagourgue (2-2), and Walker (2-4), while Slater led all players with a 3-4 day at the plate.

The Saints will now await the results of the 3 p.m. Winner's Bracket game between Providence and Valley City State. Carroll will play the loser of that contest in another loser-out game at 7 p.m. this evening.