LINCOLN, Neb. -- Despite an early 2-0 lead, the Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team dropped its Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament elimination game 6-3 to Nebraska Wesleyan Friday in Lincoln, Neb.
The Tigers finished the season with a 24-32 record.
"We battled and played hard, but we just came up short," DWU head coach Steve Gust said.
Dakota Wesleyan had 10 hits in the nine-inning contest, including a 3-for-4 day from Michael Lukkason.
"Against one of their better pitchers, we did a pretty good job," Gust said. "We were OK everywhere. They just made a few more plays than we did."
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Joey Fitzgerald took the loss on the mound after throwing 5 1/3 innings. He allowed five runs on six hits without walking any batters. He struck out four in the game.
Gust said although the team was disappointed to have its season end, the returning players should be excited about the potential for success in the future.
"We've got a long ways to go, but we certainly made some big strides this year," Gust said. "From last year to this year, our expectations rose and next year their going to be even higher."
Starting pitcher Ethan Opsahl and catcher Chris Ciatti are the only key starters the team will be losing to graduation and Gust said he is excited for the team's future.
"I think the sky's the limit for this group," Gust said. "They learned a lot about themselves and the game of baseball this year. Now it just comes down to working hard in the offseason.
"I think the guys understand how good they really can be. I have no doubt they will come ready to go next year."
