WILLISTON, N.D. – The Williston State College baseball team put together a highly successful spring trip to Tucson, finishing 18-4 during the stretch to improve to 26-9 overall on the season as the Tetons now turn their attention to MonDak Conference play.

The Tetons' strong start to the season has been fueled largely by an explosive offense, a notable shift from recent seasons when pitching carried much of the load for Williston State.

Leading the offensive surge has been sophomore Dylan Klossner, who has been one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup. Klossner is batting .422 with 43 hits in 102 at-bats while scoring 32 runs and driving in 40. His extra-base production has been particularly impressive, collecting 16 doubles and six home runs while posting a .755 slugging percentage and a .496 on-base percentage.

Grant Nekuza has also been a key catalyst at the plate, hitting .381 with 40 hits and a team-high 42 runs scored. Nekuza has matched Klossner with 16 doubles while adding two triples, four home runs and 42 RBIs. His plate discipline has been equally valuable, drawing 22 walks to help produce a .496 on-base percentage and a .686 slugging mark.

Another major contributor in the lineup has been Jason Carbno, who is hitting .359 on the season with 33 hits, 31 runs scored and 39 RBIs. Rhoades has added eight doubles, a triple and three home runs while drawing 33 walks, giving him a team-best .537 on-base percentage.

While the Tetons' offense has garnered much of the attention this season, the pitching staff continues to feature several familiar and reliable arms.

Sophomore right-hander Cameron Fenn has been strong in the rotation, posting a 5-0 record in six starts with two complete games. Fenn has struck out 34 batters in 29 innings while limiting opponents to a 4.03 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Collin Cobb has also been dominant on the mound, going 4-1 with one save across six appearances, including five starts. Cobb owns a 2.70 ERA in 26.2 innings and has racked up 42 strikeouts, averaging an impressive 14.17 strikeouts per nine innings.

Right-hander Nick Shrider has added depth to the rotation with a 3-1 record in six appearances. Shrider has struck out 30 batters in 24.1 innings while posting a 3.70 ERA.

Head coach Matt Przybilla said the team's health and growth during the trip were major positives heading into conference play.

"We were great to get through the trip healthy. We have struggled with that on this trip for years," Przybilla said. "We like where the offense is headed. If we can do a better job of getting ahead of hitters, our pitching staff will get back to what it has been in recent years. We are looking forward to MonDak action."

The Tetons will open MonDak Conference play on March 28 when they host their conference opener at Rabon Field.