SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Cougars (21-25, 9-15 NSIC) closed out their 2025 home slate on Senior Day at Sanford Diamonds, celebrating the careers of three key players while battling through a hard-fought doubleheader against Wayne State. Despite strong performances at the plate and in the circle, USF dropped both contests, 6-4 in Game One and 3-2 in Game Two.

GAME ONE: WAYNE STATE 6, SIOUX FALLS 4

USF nearly completed a comeback after trailing by four, tying the game 4-4 in the fourth inning. However, a solo home run and a walk-driven run in the fifth and sixth sealed the win for the Wildcats.

Key Performers:

• Amber McKinney: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 walks

• Jaeleigh Darnell: 1-for-2, 2 walks, run scored, SB

• Taryn Wagner: 1-for-3, run scored, RBI

• Alannah Naumann: 1-for-4, double, run scored

• Lauryn Foudree (L, 6-9): 7.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 5 K

The Cougars' three-run third inning featured RBI knocks from Knudtson and McKinney, and a clutch at-bat by Isaacson to load the bases. McKinney and Naumann each extended rallies late, but Sioux Falls couldn't push across the tying run.

GAME TWO: WAYNE STATE 3, SIOUX FALLS 2

On an emotional Senior Day finale, USF's rally in the fifth inning cut the deficit to one, but a 13-strikeout performance from Wayne State's pitching staff held the Cougars just short in a 3-2 loss.

Key Performers:

• Jaeleigh Darnell: 1-for-3, HR, run scored, RBI

• Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-3, triple, walk

• Hannah Strickland (L, 0-4): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Darnell's fifth-inning homer brought USF within one, and Knudtson later tripled with two outs in the seventh to spark another late push. The Cougars out-hit the Wildcats 8-5 and committed no errors defensively in the tight loss. Strickland tossed a six-strikeout game for season high with no walks.

SENIOR DAY SPOTLIGHT

USF honored its graduating student-athletes before the home finale, recognizing their commitment, leadership, and contributions to the Cougar softball program. USF Softball recognized Alannah Naumann, Taryn Wagner and Amber McKinney before today's second game.

"I couldn't be more proud of Alannah, Taryn and Amber," said Interim Head Coach Madie Brink. "They've faced many challenges during their time here—injuries, adversity, and uncertainty—and through it all, they showed incredible resilience. Their ability to lead, to lift their teammates, and to represent USF Softball with heart and integrity has left a lasting mark on this program. Their legacy is one of toughness, character, and commitment, and I'm so thankful for everything they've poured into our team."

UP NEXT

The Cougars (21-25, 9-15 NSIC) wrap up the regular season with road games next weekend at Concordia-St. Paul and Winona State. USF will take on CSP Saturday at 1pm and 3pm followed by a twin bill at Winona State on Sunday beginning at 1pm.

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