Softball Opens Play in Branson With Dakota State Doubleheader

Branson, Mo., (March 9, 2026)- The Missouri Valley College softball team opened its week in Branson, Mo., with a Monday afternoon doubleheader against Dakota (S.D.) State.  The Vikings led early in the first game, but fell by a 7-5 score, followed by a loss in game two.

Game one started with Junior Pitcher Chloe Shuff (Cypress, Calif.) taking down Dakota State in order in the top of the first inning.  Missouri Valley put together a rally in the bottom half, which started on a walk from Senior Centerfielder Jesykah Foster (Garden City, Kan.).  Senior Shortstop Aniah Castruita (South El Monte, Calif.) reached on an error, and then stole second base.  An error on the throw attempt to second base allowed Foster to score the game's first run.  Later in the inning, Senior First Baseman Makayla Casjens (Galt, Calif.) reached on a two-out single, and drove home Castruita to move the MVC lead out to 2-0.  Shuff followed by facing the minimum in both the second and third innings, striking out two batters during the stretch of play.  Dakota State produced from the plate in the top of the fourth, using four hits and one Viking error to bring home four runs and move in front, 4-2.  Missouri Valley's deficit grew in the top of the fifth inning, as Dakota State added two more runs, then scored one run in the top of the sixth to make it 7-2.  The bottom half of the sixth inning included a two-out solo homer from Sophomore Designated Player Jordan Pasbrig (Moberly, Mo.), while Sophomore Pitcher Andreina Buonafina (Guatemala) took down Dakota State in order in the top of the seventh, striking out one batter.  The first three batters reached safely for the Vikings in the bottom of the seventh, as Foster singled, Junior Catcher Camryn Dilla (West Des Moines, Iowa) was hit and Castruita singled to score Foster.  With two runners in scoring position, Casjens hit into a groundout that brought home Dilla, and MVC had the tying run at the plate with two outs.  However, Missouri Valley was unable to continue its late rally, and fell by a final score of 7-5.

Pasbrig had three hits, one run scored and one RBI to lead the team.  Casjens added one hit and two RBI's, while Foster had one hit and two runs scored.  Castruita totaled one hit, one run and one RBI.   Schuff went 4.2 innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs with three strikeouts.

Dakota State went in front early in the second game, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning, then adding another four runs in the bottom of the second.  Missouri Valley got one of those runs back in the top of the third, as a single from Foster scored Sophomore Third Baseman Keira Carvalho (Vista, Calif.) to cut the team's deficit down to 6-1.  Dakota State then added five more runs in the bottom half of the third.  The Vikings came back with one run scored in the top of the fourth, as Freshman First Baseman Gabriella White (Pittsburg, Kan.) reached safely on a fielding error, which allowed Freshman Pinch Runner Alex Whaley (Greenville, Fla.) to come home.  Then in the fifth inning, Castruita brought home Foster on a grounder.  However, Missouri Valley fell by a final score of 11-3.

Foster had one hit, one run scored and one RBi, while Carvalho added one hit and one run.  

Missouri Valley falls to 0-12 on the season, while Dakota State improves to 4-8.

Up next, the Viking softball team plays two more games in Branson, Tuesday.  First game at 3 p.m., against Crowley's Ridge (Ark.), followed by a 5 p.m., game with Doane (Neb.).

Game 1 Box Score-Click Here

Game 2 Box Score-Click Here

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.