LAWRENCE, Kan.-- South Dakota dropped a tightly contested 4-3 decision to Kansas on Wednesday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark, with the Jayhawks using a walk-off home run to secure the win.

The Coyotes struck first in the third inning, taking advantage of a pair of Kansas errors to build a 2-0 lead. Autumn Iversen reached and moved into scoring position before Brooke Carey drove in the first run with a groundout. Kiya Johnson followed with an RBI single to center, allowing Sara Iburg to score and give South Dakota early momentum.

Kansas answered in the fourth inning with a run to cut the deficit in half, then took the lead in the fifth. After putting runners in scoring position, the Jayhawks delivered a two-run double to move in front 3-2.

South Dakota responded in the seventh inning in dramatic fashion. With two outs, Sara Iburg crushed a solo home run to deep center field, tying the game at 3-3 and giving the Coyotes new life heading into the final half inning.

However, Kansas responded immediately in the bottom of the seventh. After two quick outs, the Jayhawks delivered a walk-off solo home run to secure the 4-3 victory.

Iburg led the Coyotes at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Johnson also contributed an RBI, while South Dakota totaled five hits in the game.

In the circle, the Coyotes used a three-pitcher effort, with Peyton Paulsen taking the loss after allowing the deciding run in the seventh. Despite the outcome, South Dakota showed resilience, battling back late and forcing a dramatic finish.

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