SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls softball team continued its strong start to NSIC play today, sweeping Bemidji State behind dominant pitching and timely offense at Sanford Diamonds. The Cougars secured a 6-0 shutout in game one before erupting offensively in an 8-0 run-rule victory in game two.
Sioux Falls (19-14, 7-1 NSIC) leaned on a complete-game performance from Maddi Duncan in the opener and a balanced offensive attack throughout the day, collecting 22 total hits across the doubleheader. The Cougars controlled both games from start to finish, outscoring Bemidji State 14-0 on the day.
GAME ONE: Sioux Falls 6, Bemidji State 0
Sioux Falls broke things open early and never looked back, using a three-run second inning to take control before adding insurance throughout the middle innings.
The Cougars struck first in the second as Meghan Jochimsen delivered the biggest swing of the game, driving a double into left center that plated three runs. That early cushion allowed Sioux Falls to settle in both offensively and defensively.
USF added to its lead in the third when Sammie Radish brought home a run with aggressive baserunning, followed by another RBI from Jochimsen in the fourth. Andie Suhai capped the scoring in the sixth with an RBI single, pushing the advantage to 6-0.
In the circle, Maddi Duncan was dominant from the start. The senior tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just five hits while striking out seven. Duncan worked efficiently, limiting scoring opportunities and stranding runners when Bemidji State threatened early.
The Cougars finished with 10 hits in the opener, led by Jochimsen's 3-for-4, four-RBI performance, while Suhai added two hits and an RBI. Addison Heule also played a key role, scoring three runs and reaching base multiple times.
GAME TWO: Sioux Falls 8, Bemidji State 0 (5 Innings)
Sioux Falls wasted no time carrying momentum into game two, plating three runs in the opening inning and exploding for five more in the third to secure the run-rule victory.
The Cougars jumped out early as Kyra Knudtson, Charlie Pryor, and Addison Heule each recorded RBIs in the first inning to build a 3-0 lead.
The third inning proved decisive, as Sioux Falls strung together six hits and five runs. Heule delivered an RBI bunt single, followed by a two-run double from Sammie Radish and a two-run single from Jochimsen to stretch the lead to 8-0.
In the circle, Ava Mejia delivered a strong outing, throwing a complete-game shutout over five innings. She allowed just three hits while working around two walks, keeping Bemidji State off the scoreboard for the second straight game.
The offense was balanced and relentless, with multiple Cougars recording multi-hit games. Jochimsen, Kristof, Pryor, Heule, and Radish all collected two hits apiece as USF totaled 12 hits in the game.
Key Cougars
- Meghan Jochimsen – Led the offense, going 5-for-7 on the day with 6 RBI, including a three-run double in game one and a two-run single in game two.
- Maddi Duncan – Threw a complete-game shutout in game one, allowing five hits with seven strikeouts.
- Addison Heule – Reached base consistently, scoring four runs while going 4-for-5 with two RBI across both games.
- Sammie Radish – Added three hits and three RBI, highlighted by a two-run double in game two.
- Andie Suhai – Finished 3-for-6 with two runs scored, an RBI, and disruptive baserunning.
- Ava Mejia – Earned the win in game two with a five-inning shutout, allowing just three hits.
Up Next
Sioux Falls continues NSIC play next weekend as the Cougars look to build on their 7-1 conference start. USF will host Minnesota State on Friday at 2pm and 4pm followed by a doubleheader with Winona State on Saturday at 12pm and 2pm for the Cougars annual Mental Health Awareness Game.
Stay Connected
For all things Sioux Falls Softball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
