April 30, 2026

DICKINSON, N.D. – Fourth-seeded Bismarck State (N.D.) used a seven-run burst over the first two innings and held off a late Carroll (Mont.) rally for a 9-8 victory in the opening round of the 2026 Frontier Conference Softball Postseason Tournament on Thursday morning at Bravera Field on Sanford Sports Complex.

The Mystics improved to 19-30 overall and advanced after collecting seven hits, including two home runs and a triple. Carroll, No. 5 seed in the conference tournament and fell to 18-19, out-hit Bismarck State 8-7 but could not overcome early defensive miscues and the first-inning deficit.

Bismarck State wasted no time in the bottom of the first inning. The Mystics got on board when Savannah Gustavsson led off with a walk.  Brielle Wrangham then smashed a two-run homer in the inning, helping the Mystics grab a 2-0 advantage.   

BSC continued its scoring run as Leah Rolland followed up with a single and swiped to second base.  The Mystics made it 3-0 as Grace Grimm hit an RBI single to left field.

Carroll responded right away in the top second frame, sparked by Carlee Smith’s 2-RBI double.  After Demi Lagourgue’s RBI single to advance Smith, the Saints knotted the game 3-3 after Lagourgue swiped to second base and allowed Smith to score home.

The Mystics added four more runs in the second, with three runs scored on the same play caused by CC’s defensive error.  Jordyn Marcoux added an RBI single to balloon BSC’s lead to 7-3.
The Saints struck again in the third, plating three more runs behind another RBI knock from Carlee Smith to trim the deficit to 7-6.

Bismarck State responded with an insurance run in the fourth with Savannah Gustavsson’s solo home run and another RBI double from Wrangham in the sixth to create breathing room. Carroll threatened one final time in the seventh, scoring twice, but the Mystics closed out the one-run win.

Wrangham led Bismarck State offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Gustavsson went 1-for-3 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs scored, while Grimm and Marcoux each drove in one.

Carroll was paced by Smith, who went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Sammie Labrum finished 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Seaman went 1-for-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Kya Kulzer (W, 5-9) earned the victory in the pitching circle, tossing six-plus innings, allowing eight runs (three unearned) on eight hits.  Kaia Hennings (S, 1) came in the top seventh inning to shut down the Saints in relief.

Carroll used two pitchers, with Kathryn Emmert starting the game for 2 /13 innings and allowing seven runs (two runearned) on four hits.  She recorded five strikeouts.  McKinley Ermshar (L, 4-9) took the defeat in relief, tossing 3 2/3 innings.  She allowed two runs on three hits and recorded three strikeouts

Carroll Leaders

• Carlee Smith: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, double
• Sammie Labrum: 2-for-4, 2 runs, double
• Ella Seaman: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 runs, double
• Brooke Thompson: 1-for-4, 2 RBI

Bismarck State Leaders

• Brielle Wrangham: 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 runs
• Savannah Gustavsson: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs
• Grace Grimm: 1-for-3, RBI
• Jordyn Marcoux: 1-for-3, RBI

Up Next

Bismarck State moves on to the winner’s bracket Friday at 1 p.m. (Mountain Time) against the winner of No. 8 Dakota State/No. 1 Dickinson State.

Carroll will start Friday morning at 9 a.m. (MT) against the loser of the DaSU/DiSU.