WILLISTON — In what may have been one of the earliest baseball dates ever played in North Dakota, the defending Mon-Dak Conference champion Williston State College baseball team opened its season at home on Feb. 5 with a convincing nonconference doubleheader sweep of Dawson, winning 9-4 and 13-3.

With winter still firmly gripping the region, the Tetons made history simply by taking the field in Williston so early in the calendar, and they backed it up by playing sharp, confident baseball in both games. For a program accustomed to starting seasons on the road, the home opener added to the significance of the day.

In the opener, Williston State jumped out early and never let go, scoring nine runs on 11 hits. Hanson Allen sparked the offense with a home run and two RBIs, while Jason Carbno added a home run of his own and finished with two hits and two RBIs. Dylan Klossner delivered a big day at the plate, driving in three runs, and Matt Moreno Jackson chipped in two doubles and two RBIs.

On the mound, Cameron Fenn earned the win, working 4.2 innings and striking out six. Rowan Fredrickson and Collin Cobb combined to shut the door in relief, with Cobb earning the save as the Tetons secured the 9-4 victory.

The second game saw Williston State's offense shift into another gear. The Tetons scored 13 runs on 12 hits, showing patience and power throughout the lineup. Grant Nekuza had a standout performance, going 3-for-3 with three doubles and five RBIs. Jason Carbno stayed hot with two more hits and three RBIs, while Ashton Sweet, Matt Moreno Jackson, and Wyatt Carlson all drove in runs as well.

Tyler Jensen reached base four times and added an RBI, and Bronxon Manning and Dylan Klossner each scored twice as Williston State consistently pressured Dawson's defense.

On the hill, Nick Shrider battled through 3.1 innings, allowing three runs but no earned runs, before Tyler Morales took over and earned the win with 2.2 scoreless innings to close out the 13-3 decision.

Opening the season with a doubleheader sweep at home — and doing it on Feb. 5 in North Dakota — made the day one to remember for the Tetons. With balanced offense, solid pitching, and championship confidence, Williston State sent an early message that the defending Mon-Dak champs are ready for another strong season.