SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Cougar Softball (15-15, 3-5 NSIC) put together a dominant pitching performance paired with timely hitting to earn a 5-0 shutout win over Minnesota Crookston followed by an 8-2 game two win today.
"I'm really proud of the way our team battled at the plate and left it all on the field," stated Interim Head Coach Madie Brink. "We were able to make the necessary adjustments at the plate and we kept competing both offensively and in the field until the very last pitch. This team continues to show resilience, and it's been great to see them learn how to lift each other up in tough moments. That's what great teams do—support each other, trust the process, and find ways to thrive together."
GAME ONE: SIOUX FALLS 5, MINNESOTA CROOKSTON 0
Maddi Duncan was in command from the circle in game one, delivering a one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts in seven innings of work. The Cougar offense backed her up with five runs on nine hits, breaking the game open with a three-run fifth inning.
Key Performers:
- Maddi Duncan (W, 9-7): 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 10 K
- Meghan Jochimsen: 2-for-4, 2 doubles, run scored, RBI
- Jaeleigh Darnell: 2-for-3, RBI
- Savanna Isaacson: 1-for-2, triple, RBI, Sac Fly
GAME TWO: SIOUX FALLS 8, MINNESOTA CROOKSTON 2
Duncan continued her dominance in the circle with another 3.0 scoreless innings before the Golden Eagles added a run in the fourth. The USF offense exploded in game two with 15 hits while adding eight runs led by Morgan Linstad and Isaacson.
Key Performers:
- Maddi Duncan (W, 10-7): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 6 K
- Savanna Isaacson: 4-for-4, double, 2 runs scored, RBI
- Meghan Jochimsen: 2-for-3, 2 doubles, run scored, RBI
- Amber McKinney: 2-for-3, double, 2 runs scored, 2RBI
- Addison Heule: 2-for-4, RBI
- Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-4, RBI
- Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-4, RBI
- Alannah Naumann: 2-for-4, run scored, RBI
UP NEXT
The Cougars (15-15, 3-5 NSIC) will look to carry this momentum into their next conference matchup against Bemidji State (14-16, 1-5 NSIC) on Monday at 12pm and 2pm at the Sanford Diamonds.
For all things Sioux Falls Softball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
