April 12, 2006

DICKINSON, N.D. - The Dickinson State University (N.D.) softball team is experiencing its best season ever. Currently 22-2 on the season, the Blue Hawks are in the middle of a 22-game winning streak after losing their first two of the season. The longest winning streak prior to this year was only seven games. T

As the # 25 team in the country, Dickinson State is enjoying the first time in school history that the softball team has been nationally ranked.  Perhaps the two early losses to NCAA II Montana State University Billings put the game in perspective for DSU. 

Sporting 22-2 overall record and a 6-0 mark to lead the Dakota Athletic Conference, the Blue Hawks are among the national stat leaders, leading the nation in team batting average (.403), hits per game (11.5), runs batted in per game (7.82), and doubles per game (2.68).

Freshman Mehgan Shaw is one reason for the turnaround.  Shaw was named the Dakota Athletic Conference and Region III Pitcher of the Week for April 5 when she pitched shutout ball in 17 innings.  She gave up no runs on nine base hits with 27 strike outs and just one walk.

Dickinson State takes the field this weekeind in a home-away stance with in-state rival University of Mary (N.D.) before returning to conference play.