ABERDEEN, S.D. – Valley City State junior Emily Smith pitched 9 2/3 shutout innings on Friday as the Viking softball team picked up a pair of wins at the Presentation College Dome Classic.

The No. 25-ranked Vikings scored just enough in Friday's opener, earning a 2-1 victory against Dakota Wesleyan. In the second game of the day, Valley City State's offense erupted for 13 hits and eight runs in a five-inning shutout of Dordt College, 8-0.

The Vikings are now 6-0 to start the season, thanks in large part to pitching and defense. Through six games, the Vikings have been charged with just one defensive error and have allowed less than two runs per game.

Up next: Valley City State (6-0) plays two more games Saturday at the Presentation College Dome. The Vikings face Mount Marty College at 5 p.m., and then close the weekend with a 7 p.m. game against Northern State University.

VCSU 2, Dakota Wesleyan 1
Valley City State scored single runs in the first and second innings and then held off Dakota Wesleyan down the stretch for a 2-1 victory.

Marissa Hawkins started the scoring in the top of the first, singling home Voni Culp for an early 1-0 lead. In the second inning, it was Culp's turn to pick up an RBI as she doubled home Joelle Aiello for a 2-0 lead. That's all the run support VCSU starting pitcher Emily Smith would need as she gave up just three hits and struck out 12 in 6 1/3 innings.

Smith pitched four shutout innings to start the game, recording eight of the first 12 outs by strikeout. Emilee Wilson came on to pitch the bottom of the fifth inning. Dakota Wesleyan loaded the bases with two outs before Smith returned to the circle for VCSU. The Tigers managed an RBI single to make it 2-1 but Smith was able to pitch out of further trouble. She then set the final six Tiger batters down in order to end the game.

The Vikings scored their two runs on five hits and one Tiger error. Dakota Wesleyan finished with one run on five hits. VCSU's defense did not commit an error.

Culp led the Viking offense with a 2-for-3 game, scoring a run and driving in a run. Aiello, Renee Snyder and Marissa Hawkins each had hits as well.

VCSU 8, Dordt College 0
The Vikings scored in each of the first four innings en route to a shut out of Dordt College, 8-0. The game ended after five innings due to mercy rule.

Valley City State struck first with three runs in the bottom of the first inning, including two on stolen bases and one on Autumn Perry's RBI single. The Vikings added a single run in the second inning and then broke the game wide open with three more runs in the third, including two on an RBI single from Jayme Menard. Marissa Hawkins picked up an RBI single in the fourth to plate VCSU's final run.

Emily Smith earned her second win of the day after starting and pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings. The junior right-hander allowed just two hits and struck out seven. Emilee Wilson pitched 2/3 hitless innings, and Jami Nalley pitched a perfect top of the fifth to finish off the victory.

Perry went 3-for-3 at the plate with a run and RBI. Jayme Menard had two hits and drove in two runs. Hawkins went 2-for-3 with a run and RBI, and Emily Smith added a pair of hits.