WELLS — Bay College’s defense was downright stingy here Wednesday in a 9-1 victory in six innings over Dakota County (Minn.) Technical College in a sub-regional softball final.

Although the Norse committed two errors in the contest, they also turned four double plays.

Bay (30-15) now heads to the Region 13 tournament, which begins Sunday in Montana.

Dakota County (15-13) punched its ticket to the regional by eliminating Gogebic Community College in Wednesday’s opener.

“Turning those double plays was huge,” said Bay coach Ross Rahoi. “Getting four runs in the first inning also helped.

“It’s usually a tight game with them. We’re excited, but it’s going to be a challenge. All four teams are capable of winning it.”

Freshman left-fielder Ellie Miller got Bay on the board with a two-run double to centerfield. Karlie Patron added an RBI single to left, and Allison Podhaniuk’s single to center made it 4-0.

The Blue Knights loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first, but starter Rachel Winkel struck out the next two hitters to end the threat.

“They played better than we did,” said Dakota County coach Tom Cross. “We were behind the 8-ball from the start. They got those four double plays and their runs when they needed them. Yesterday was the big game (in Tuesday’s 6-5 loss in 10 innings). We need to work on making the other teams earn their runs and getting timely hits.”

Dakota County scored its run in the second on Natalie Nusbahm’s single to left.

Natalie Belanger then gave the Norse a 5-1 cushion on Podhaniuk’s infielder grounder in the third.

“Both of our pitchers threw well, and our defense was solid,” said Rahoi. “When it was 4-1 and 5-1 we never felt comfortable because of the power in their lineup. We told the kids four runs probably weren’t going to be enough, although it was today. We had a couple mistakes we need to fix. We had a lot of pressure-packed situations the last couple days. It was good to be tested and work on those situations.”

Winkel’s solo home run gave Bay a 6-1 advantage in the fourth, and Miller’s single to left made it 7-1.

Bay hiked its advantage to 8-1 on Avery Sorochan’s single to center and secured the decision on Miller’s walk-off single to left.

Miller and Sorochan collected three hits each. Sarah Wynn and Winkel added two apiece.

Winkel, who pitched four innings, got the win. She struck out four, walked none and allowed a run on six hits. Karlie Patron fanned one, walked one and gave up two hits in relief.

“Our defense played well,” said Miller. “They hit the ball in the perfect spots. Our fielders were heads-up, and our first-baseman (Belanger) did a great job stretching to get the play. Both of our pitchers are very experienced. I feel very comfortable with them. We trust each other. Today, I think we hit at the perfect times.”

Jada Wolle, who pitched the entire contest, absorbed the loss. She whiffed five and walked one.

Dakota County’s Olivia Weinberg went 3-for-3.

The Norse finished with 13 hits, and the Blue Knights had eight.