April 1, 2026 | RCTC Softball Recap

Rochester Community and Technical College dropped both games of its doubleheader against Dakota County Technical College on Tuesday, falling 8–0 in the opener and 11–2 in Game 2 at home.

In Game 1, Dakota County Technical College used timely hitting and capitalized on RCTC defensive miscues to pull away for an 8–0 five-inning victory. The Blue Knights struck early when Kayla Buck tripled in the first inning to drive in Ryli Kendrick, who finished the game 3-for-3 with three runs scored. DCTC added single runs in the third and fourth innings before breaking the game open with a five-run fifth.

Lily Gilmore led the offense with a double and two RBIs, while Buck delivered two RBIs and later scored on a wild pitch. Emma Voth and Makayla Friedges also added RBIs in the decisive fifth inning. Madison Peterson was dominant in the circle for DCTC, throwing a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out five.

For RCTC, hits came from Ella Bergan, Ivette Mendoza, and Holly Flom, but the Yellowjackets were unable to string together offense. Three errors proved costly, as four of DCTC's eight runs were unearned.

The nightcap followed a similar pattern, with DCTC taking control after an early RCTC lead and cruising to an 11–2 win. RCTC scored first in the bottom of the first inning when Ella Bergan crossed the plate following an error. However, DCTC answered with three unearned runs in the second inning and never relinquished the lead.

Dakota County continued to apply pressure offensively, highlighted by a three-run home run from Aliyah Passmore in the fourth inning. Passmore finished with three RBIs, while Sophie Quesenberry added a two-run double earlier in the inning. Lily Gilmore chipped in with a triple and RBI, and Kayla Buck went 2-for-2 with a double and two runs scored. DCTC totaled nine hits and benefited from two more RCTC errors.

Rochester added a run in the fourth when Michaela Cauffman singled home Cason Forbrook, who also drove in a run for the Yellowjackets. Emma Voth earned the win for DCTC, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out six.

RCTC will be back in action in hosting a conference double-header against Ridgewater at the Dome on Friday.