Tetons Win Region 13 Championship
WILLISTON, N.D. — The Williston State College Tetons are Region 13 Champions after battling through the elimination bracket and defeating Dakota County Technical College twice on championship day to claim the title.
The Tetons opened the tournament in dominant fashion, rolling past Miles Community College 15-0 behind an overpowering performance on both sides of the ball. Grant Nekuza led the offensive explosion with three hits and three RBIs, while Ashton Sweet added two hits and two RBIs. Matt Moreno Jackson drove in five runs, and Jason Carbno scored three times.
On the mound, Collin Cobb was nearly untouchable, throwing five shutout innings while striking out 12 batters and allowing just two hits.
Williston State's road to the championship became much tougher in the winner's bracket game as DCTC handed the Tetons an 8-5 loss. Ashton Sweet collected two hits, while Matt Moreno Jackson added an RBI. The Tetons used five pitchers in the contest, with Nick Shrider striking out five in four innings.
Facing elimination, the Tetons responded with resilience.
Williston State eliminated Miles Community College with a 6-2 victory behind a strong pitching effort from Cameron Fenn, who tossed eight innings and allowed just one earned run while striking out six. Jason Carbno delivered a huge performance at the plate with two hits and three RBIs, while Gage Macri and Carter Reimer each drove in runs.
That set up a rematch with DCTC, and the Tetons answered in emphatic fashion with a 12-6 win to force a deciding championship game.
Grant Nekuza powered the offense with three hits and four RBIs, while Bradley Cepada, Dylan Klossner, Matt Moreno Jackson, and Carter Reimer all had multi-hit games. After DCTC scored six runs early, the Tetons bullpen slammed the door shut. Tyler Morales and Lachlan Amon combined for four scoreless innings, with Amon earning the win after allowing no hits over the final three innings.
In the winner-take-all championship game, the Tetons completed the comeback with a 7-5 victory to capture the Region 13 crown.
Dylan Klossner led the offense with four hits and an RBI, while Matt Moreno Jackson added three hits and a run driven in. Gage Macri contributed two RBIs, and Carter Reimer added another RBI in the title-clinching win.
Alexander Kienberger delivered a strong start on the mound, allowing just two runs over 5.2 innings while striking out nine. Andrew Maltar and Collin Cobb closed out the final innings as the Tetons secured the championship.
After suffering a setback in the winner's bracket, Williston State responded by winning three straight elimination games to earn the Region 13 Championship in dramatic fashion.
The title marks another milestone season for the Tetons, who showcased depth, resilience, and clutch performances throughout the tournament run.
