SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls softball team continued its strong start to NSIC play on Saturday, sweeping Minnesota Duluth in a home doubleheader at Sanford Diamonds with a 7-0 shutout in game one and a 3-1 victory in game two.

The Cougars (17-14, 5-1 NSIC) combined dominant pitching with timely offense, extending their conference momentum behind a complete-game gem from Maddi Duncan and a balanced effort in game two.

Game One: Sioux Falls 7, Minnesota Duluth 0

Sioux Falls set the tone early and never looked back, erupting for three runs in the opening inning before Maddi Duncan took over in the circle.

The Cougars capitalized on early pressure, using aggressive baserunning and timely hitting to jump ahead. Andie Suhai got the scoring started with a bunt single to plate the game's first run, while her speed created another as she swiped second and forced a throw that allowed a run to score. Sammie Radish capped the inning with an RBI single to push the lead to 3-0.

USF added to its advantage in the third inning, once again taking advantage of opportunities. A miscue by the Bulldogs opened the door before Radish delivered again, ripping a two-run double to extend the lead. The Cougars tacked on one more in the fourth behind Kyra Knudtson's RBI single, building a comfortable 7-0 cushion.

From there, it was all Duncan.

The senior was dominant from start to finish, striking out 14 batters while allowing just two hits across seven shutout innings. Duncan consistently worked ahead in counts and overpowered Minnesota Duluth hitters, recording strikeouts in key moments to shut down any potential rallies and averaging two strikeouts an inning.

Offensively, Radish led the way with three RBIs, while Suhai added two hits and played a key role in setting the tone early.

Game Two: Sioux Falls 3, Minnesota Duluth 1

Game two presented a tighter battle, but Sioux Falls once again delivered in key moments to secure the sweep.

After a scoreless first inning, the Cougars broke through in the second, taking advantage of defensive miscues by Minnesota Duluth. Sammie Radish reached and advanced into scoring position before Sandra Ribich drove her in with an RBI single. Another Bulldog error allowed an additional run to score, giving USF an early 2-0 lead.

Both teams settled in defensively over the next few innings, with Lauryn Foudree in control in the circle. The junior right-hander kept the Bulldogs off balance, working efficiently through the lineup while stranding runners and limiting hard contact.

Sioux Falls added an important insurance run in the fifth inning. Addison Heule sparked the rally with a single before Charlie Pryor delivered with an RBI base hit to extend the lead to 3-0.

Minnesota Duluth made a late push in the seventh, loading the bases and pushing across a run to cut the deficit to 3-1. With momentum beginning to shift, Duncan entered in relief and quickly shut the door, recording the final outs to secure the save and complete the sweep.

Foudree earned the win with a strong six-inning performance, allowing just one run while striking out nine.

Key Cougars

• Maddi Duncan – Tossed a complete-game shutout in game one, allowing just two hits while striking out 14 in seven innings. Also recorded the save in game two along with a strikeout for 15 on the day.
• Sammie Radish – Went 3-for-6 on the day with 3 RBI, including a two-run double in game one and a run scored in game two.
• Andie Suhai – Finished 2-for-6 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored, helping spark the early offense in game one.
• Lauryn Foudree – Earned the win in game two after throwing 6.0 innings, allowing just one run while striking out 9.
• Charlie Pryor – Scored 3 runs in game one and added an RBI single in game two.

Up Next

Sioux Falls continues NSIC play tomorrow as they host Bemidji State at 12pm and 2pm.

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