DICKINSON, N.D. – Bellevue University opened North Star Athletic Association postseason play with a commanding 8-2 win over Dakota State Thursday afternoon at the Sanford Sports Complex.

The Bruins used a pair of multi-run home runs and a steady pitching performance to advance in the winner's bracket of the double-elimination tournament.

Bellevue struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to plate Miranda Garcia from second base. Savannah Short reached on an error that allowed Garcia to score, giving the Bruins a 1-0 lead.

Dakota State answered in the top of the third with its only offensive highlight of the contest. Hannah McFarland singled to lead off the inning and stole second base before Quincy Hartley lifted a two-run home run to left field, briefly putting the Trojans ahead 2-1.

The lead was short-lived. In the bottom half of the third, Bellevue responded with a five-hit outburst, reclaiming the advantage. Breanne McMurtry and Mariah Unverzagt recorded back-to-back hits to set the table, and Liana McMurtry delivered a two-run single to center to make it 3-2. Garcia followed later in the frame with a two-run home run to right, extending the lead to 5-2.

Bellevue added another three-run surge in the bottom of the fourth. McMurtry again was the key contributor, this time clearing the bases with a three-run home run to straightaway center, scoring Unverzagt and Breanne McMurtry ahead of her to put the Bruins firmly in control at 8-2.

Unverzagt led the offensive charge for Bellevue, finishing 3-for-5 with three runs scored. McMurtry went 2-for-3 with five RBIs and two runs scored. Garcia added two RBIs and two runs scored in a 1-for-2 effort. As a team, Bellevue collected nine hits and drew five walks.

Starting pitcher Katie Cunningham worked the first three innings for Bellevue, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out three. Unverzagt took over in relief and was dominant, throwing four scoreless, hitless innings with two strikeouts and just one walk. She faced one batter over the minimum and earned the win in the circle.

For Dakota State, McFarland went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Hartley drove in both Trojan runs with her third-inning homer and added a walk. Michelle Evdos had one of the Trojans’ four hits, while Maycee Bricker and Analicia Burgos split time in the circle. Bricker took the loss, surrendering five runs (four earned) over three innings with one strikeout and three walks. Burgos allowed three runs on three hits over the final three frames.

Bellevue played clean defense, committing just one error, while Dakota State was charged with one costly miscue that led to an unearned run in the second.