COMMERCE, Texas – South Dakota softball team posted a pair of victories Saturday during the second day of the three-day Lion Invitational from Cain Family Field.
 
The Coyotes (7-7) received a pair of strong pitching outings from Clara Edwards and Kori Wedeking in registering wins over Abilene Christian, 3-0, and the host Texas A&M Commerce, 4-1.
 
SOUTH DAKOTA 3, ABILENE CHRISTIAN 0
Edwards (3-5), a junior, needed just 99 pitches to toss her third complete game shutout of the young season, allowing only four hits while registering a career high 13 strikeouts.
 
Alivia Conte, making her first start of the season, contributed two of five South Dakota hits in the game including an RBI single that snapped a 0-0 tie in the top of the fifth inning.
 
The Coyotes added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the seventh on an RBI single from Rylie Jones and a bases loaded walk to Maddox Boston.
 
SOUTH DAKOTA 4, TEXAS A&M COMMERCE 1
Wedeking (2-1), a senior, tossed a complete game allowing one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out five.
 
The Coyotes plated all four runs in the top of the fifth inning, erasing a 1-0 deficit, as Gabby Moser delivered a three-run double off the left field wall. McKenna Young followed with an RBI single to cap the scoring.
 
Tatum Villotta doubled to begin the fifth-inning rally and Delaney White singled before an error loaded the bases ahead of Moser's at bat.
 
The Coyotes close play at the Lion Invitational with Sunday's game against Tarleton State at 11:30 a.m.