Sioux Center, Iowa – The University of Sioux Falls (2-6, 0-0 NSIC)  softball team dropped both ends of a Sunday doubleheader to Nebraska Kearney (7-8, 0-0 MIAA) at the American State Bank Sports Complex, falling 1–0 in game one before a 3–0 setback in game two.

Despite collecting 15 hits across the two contests, the Cougars were unable to capitalize offensively, leaving a combined 14 runners on base. Sioux Falls received strong pitching performances in both games but was limited to zero runs on the day against a strong Lopers defense.

Game One: Nebraska Kearney 1, Sioux Falls 0

Game one turned into a pitcher's duel, with Nebraska Kearney scoring the lone run of the contest in the second inning on a groundout RBI.

Sioux Falls responded with steady offensive pressure throughout, recording 11 hits, but could not push a run across. The Cougars stranded 13 runners, including multiple scoring opportunities in the middle innings.

Maddi Duncan delivered a dominant performance in the circle, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while allowing just two hits and one earned run.

Key Team Stats

• USF outhit Nebraska Kearney 11–2.

• The Cougars left 13 runners on base.

• Duncan struck out 11 in a complete-game effort.

• Three different Cougars recorded multiple hits.

Key Cougars

• Maddi Duncan: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 11 SO.

• Meghan Jochimsen: 3-for-4 with a double.

• Emma Kristof: 2-for-4 with a double.

• Kyra Knudtson: 2-for-4 with a stolen base

Game Two: Nebraska Kearney 3, Sioux Falls 0

The nightcap remained scoreless through five innings before Nebraska Kearney broke through in the sixth on a stolen-base sequence that allowed the go-ahead run to score.

The Lopers added two insurance runs in the seventh on RBI singles to extend the lead to 3–0.

Sioux Falls was limited to four hits in game two and was unable to generate late momentum. Lauryn Foudree pitched 6.2 innings with nine strikeouts, keeping the Cougars within striking distance until the late offensive surge.

Key Team Stats

• USF was held to four hits and no walks.

• Foudree recorded nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings.

Key Cougars

• Lauryn Foudree: 6.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 9 SO.

• Meghan Jochimsen: 1-for-3.

• Emma Kristof: 1-for-3.

• Charlie Pryor: 1-for-3 with a stolen base.

Up Next

The Cougars will head south to compete in The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida starting March 1st against Seton Hill and Slippery Rock.

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