SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – USF Softball (21-23, 9-13 NSIC) wrapped up their Strikeout Cancer Series on this afternoon, dropping a hard-fought doubleheader to Minnesota Duluth (31-15, 13-7 NSIC) at the Sanford Diamonds. Sioux Falls fell 18-9 in Game One despite a furious rally and came up short 13-5 in Game Two, despite a strong showing at the plate.
GAME ONE: MINNESOTA DULUTH 18, SIOUX FALLS 9
In a wild, high-scoring affair, USF stormed back from an early 9-1 deficit with a five-run fourth inning and nine total hits, but the Bulldogs pulled away late with a seven-run seventh.
Key Performers:
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Savanna Isaacson: 3-for-4, double, RBI
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Taryn Wagner: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, run scored
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Hanna Raethz: 2-for-3, RBI, run scored
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Hannah Strickland: 3.0 IP, 6 R, 5 K
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Gracie Johnson (L, 0-3): 4.0 IP, 12 R, 2 K
USF scored five runs in the fourth thanks to three Bulldog errors, a two-run homer from Wagner, and aggressive baserunning. After Duluth added two in the sixth, the Cougars struck again in the seventh on an RBI double by Isaacson and a sac bunt from Raethz, but the Bulldogs' 16-hit day proved too much to overcome.
GAME TWO: MINNESOTA DULUTH 13, SIOUX FALLS 5
USF kept battling in Game Two, getting within four runs midway through, but UMD continued to add on with two-out hitting to complete the sweep.
Key Performers:
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Jaeleigh Darnell: 2-for-3, HR, RBI, run scored
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Taryn Wagner: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
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Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-4, RBI, stolen base
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Alannah Naumann: 2-for-2, 2 runs scored, walk
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Lauryn Foudree (L, 6-8): 5.0 IP, 14 H, 10 ER, 3 K
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Hannah Strickland: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 K
Darnell's solo shot in the second put USF on the board before the Cougars added two more in the third with RBI singles from Wagner and Knudtson. Naumann and Heule sparked a mini rally in the sixth with back-to-back walks, and Jochimsen delivered an RBI single to cap off the Cougar scoring.
UP NEXT
Sioux Falls (21-23, 9-13 NSIC) looks to bounce back next weekend as they host Wayne State on Saturday at 1pm and 3pm for Senior Day 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!
