SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced their 2024 Preseason Softball Coaches' Poll along with this seasons players and pitchers to watch from all 15 teams in the conference. Sioux Falls was ranked to finish 11th in the NSIC following an 8th place finish last season.

Megan Lawson, a senior infielder from Omaha, Nebraska, was named the Cougars player to watch following a successful junior campaign. Lawson finished the 2023 season with a .331 batting average and a .412 slugging percentage while recording 29 RBI on the season.

"Megan is a true veteran on the squad this year," stated new head coach Erin Bly. "She is a strong offensive player that hits for power and average and will be a strong presence in our lineup. Defensively she will bring a lot of experience and leadership to a very young infield."

Transfer sophomore, Maddi Duncan, was named this years pitchers to watch for USF. Duncan joins the Coo from Briar Cliff University following a stellar freshman campaign. The All-Conference and All-Region pitcher led the Chargers with 227 strikeouts in 180.0 innings pitched. Duncan boasted a season record of 19-7 while in the circle along with a 1.75 ERA.

"Maddi comes to USF from Briar Cliff after having a great career for a program that saw a lot of success during her tenure," stated Bly. "She is a fierce competitor and broke several career and single season records last season and earned all-conference and regional accolades as a freshman. Maddi will have an immediate impact on the mound this year and will bring experience and polish to a very young staff."

Cougar Softball will get underway next Friday as they head to St. Cloud, Minnesota to take on Black Hills State, Northern State, St. Cloud State and Bemidji State in a three day event. For all things USF Softball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!