SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Cougar Softball (21-19, 9-9 NSIC) dropped both games of a conference twinbill to Southwest Minnesota State (24-20, 6-12 NSIC) this afternoon at the Sanford Diamonds. USF fell 4-1 in Game One before SMSU's offense erupted for a 10-1 win in Game Two.

GAME ONE: SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE 4, SIOUX FALLS 1

Sioux Falls scratched across a run in the sixth inning behind a solo home run from Alannah Naumann, but the Cougars were limited to just two hits in a tough-luck loss.

Key Performers:

• Alannah Naumann: 1-for-2, HR, RBI, run scored

• Morgan Linstad: 1-for-3, single

• Maddi Duncan (L, 14-9): 7.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

Naumann's homer to center field brought USF within one in the sixth, but SMSU tacked on two more runs in the seventh to secure the win. Duncan kept USF in it with another complete game effort and eight strikeouts.

GAME TWO: SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE 10, SIOUX FALLS 1

The Cougars were unable to contain the Mustangs' bats in Game Two, as SMSU posted runs in five different innings. USF's lone run came in the sixth, following a double from Hannah Soderbeck and an RBI double by Morgan Linstad.

Key Performers:

• Morgan Linstad: 1-for-2, RBI double, walk, stolen base

• Hannah Soderbeck: 1-for-4, double, run scored

• Lauryn Foudree (L, 6-6): 3.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 BB

USF totaled six hits but couldn't string together enough offense to match SMSU's 13-hit output. The Mustangs scored three runs in the top of the seventh to put the game away.

UP NEXT

The Cougars (21-19, 9-9 NSIC) will look to bounce back this weekend as they host St. Cloud State at Bowden Field on Saturday at 3pm and 5pm followed by another doubleheader on Sunday against Minnesota Duluth at 12pm and 2pm at the Sanford Diamonds.

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