ABERDEEN, S.D.  (VCSU)  – Valley City State junior Emily Smith pitched 9 2/3 shutout innings on Friday as the Viking softball team picked up a pair of wins at the Presentation College Dome Classic.

The No. 25-ranked Vikings scored just enough in Friday’s opener, earning a 2-1 victory against Dakota Wesleyan. In the second game of the day, Valley City State’s offense erupted for 13 hits and eight runs in a five-inning shutout of Dordt College, 8-0.

The Vikings are now 6-0 to start the season, thanks in large part to pitching and defense. Through six games, the Vikings have been charged with just one defensive error and have allowed less than two runs per game.

Up next: Valley City State (6-0) plays two more games Saturday at the Presentation College Dome. The Vikings face Mount Marty College at 5 p.m., and then close the weekend with a 7 p.m. game against Northern State University.