MOORHEAD, MINN. – With a career-best six RBI from Emmie Uitts and five from Mika Rodriguez, the University of Sioux Falls Softball Team (14-15, 8-7 NSIC) rolled to a 14-0 win in NSIC play over Minnesota State Moorhead (7-22, 5-10 NSIC) on Sunday. However, due to wintry weather conditions, the second game of the doubleheader was cancelled.

In earning its second straight road win, the Cougars again used a powerful offensive display, which was led by the seniors Uitts and Rodriguez. Uitts hit a pair of three-run doubles and Rodriguez had five RBI and three hits. Also joining the three-hit parade was sophomore Kennedy Thomas. In the past two games, USF has scored 28 runs on 27 hits in playing a combined 10 innings. That production is the best two-game run this season and in USF DII history. In fact, the 14 runs scored on Saturday afternoon at NSU and Sunday at MSUM is the most by a team since April 2 2019 (14-4 over Wayne State).

In the circle, Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag (8-7) threw a gem as she allowed just four hits and no runs while recording three strikeouts in 69 pitches. USF had 11 hits and drew nine walks as they put on 23 runners in five innings. The Cougars opened the game with a run in the first inning, added eight in the second frame and added five in the third inning. Then, Van Der Zwaag shut down the Dragons as the Cougars moved past .500 to 8-7 in league play and eighth place in the league standings.

Also providing help on offense was senior Cassie Van Beek who had a hit, two runs scored and two RBI. Van Der Zwaag had a hit, RBI and two runs scored. Shayla Running, Rachel Klassen and Kylan Straight also scored two runs.

"It was a really fun game today," said USF Head Coach Shannon Pivovar, whose team is scheduled to host Augustana at 2/4 pm on Wednesday, April 21 at Sherman Park. "Everyone contributed to the success of our team. I am bummed that the second game got snowed out because I would have liked the opportunity to see the kids compete together even longer. Offensively, huge days at the plate for Emmie (Uitts), Mika (Rodriguez) and Kennedy (Thomas). Our table setters got on, and ran the bases aggressively and then we had multiple people step up to drive them in. That's what softball is all about," said Pivovar.

Scoring breakdown -
In the first inning, USF scored when Van Beek earned a walk with two out, stole second and scored on a single by Rodriguez. USF added eight runs in the second frame on six hits. With one out, Uitts walked, Straight had a single and Rachel Klassen walked to load the bases. Van Beek's two-out, two-run base hit gave USF a 3-0 lead. Rodriguez added a two-run single which was followed by a RBI hit from Van Der Zwaag. Then, Uitts hit a three –run double as the lead advanced to 9-0. In the five-run third inning, Rodriguez had a two-run double and later Uitts hit her second three-run double as she had her career-best day in driving in runs with six and USF took the 14-0 lead.

Statistical Overview – Past 3 Games – Season Notes –
Over the past three games, Rodriguez is 8-of-10 for an .800 batting average and has eight RBI and five runs scored. A senior shortstop, Rodriguez had a 1.300 slugging mark plus and .800 OBP while fielding 1.000 with six putouts and three assists. Thomas has also shined with six hits in 11 at bats and a .545 slugging while Kylan Straight was 5-of-10 for .500 average with two steals and three runs scored. As a squad, USF hit .407 during the three game span when they have 30 runs, 35 hits, six doubles, home run, 30 RBI, .512 slugging and .490 OBP with four stolen bases. As a result, USF has pushed their team average 18 points to .262 and their slugging mark is at .353 with a .338 OBP. Damaris Cuevas leads USF with a .458 average (4th, NSIC) and .611 slugging mark and Kylan Straight is now hitting .313 while Emmie Uitts is up to .281 while Thomas is at .275 and Mika Rodriguez has jumped to .250. With five hits in the past nine at bats since April 10, Uitts has risen her average 107 points. With 10 hits in her past 19 at bats, Rodriguez has jumped her average 117 points.