Bartow, Fla. – The University of Sioux Falls softball team wrapped up its trip to The Spring Games in dominant fashion this morning, rolling past Queens College 15-0 in five innings to close the week in Florida.
The Cougars exploded for nine runs in the opening inning and never looked back, finishing the game with 12 hits while the pitching staff combined for a three-hit shutout. With the victory, Sioux Falls improved to 12-9 overall heading into the next portion of the season.
Coaches Corner
"After two tough losses in games we felt we had control of, our team really responded the rest of the week," stated head coach Tommy Downs. "Our pitching staff was outstanding and our offense started to find its rhythm. We saw the group really come together after the first day and they didn't look back. Emma Kristof, Meghan Jochimsen and Hanna Raethz made some big plays in key moments that helped us compete with and beat some of the top teams in the tournament. We're getting better every time we take the field and learning how to stay in the fight throughout the entire game. I'm really proud of the adjustments we've made and we're excited to get into conference play."
Game Recap: Sioux Falls 15, Queens College 0 (5 innings)
Sioux Falls wasted no time asserting control in the finale, erupting for nine runs in the bottom of the first inning.
The rally began when Kyra Knudtson doubled up the middle to drive in three runs after the Cougars loaded the bases. Morgan Linstad followed with an RBI single to extend the lead, and Sammie Radish added another run with a single through the left side. Charlie Pryor later delivered a sacrifice fly before Addison Heule drove in another run on a fielder's choice to push the score to 7-0.
Emma Kristof added to the early surge with an RBI double to right field, and the Cougars capped the inning when Meghan Jochimsen crossed the plate to give Sioux Falls a commanding 9-0 lead.
The Cougars continued to add on in the third inning. Brianne Lawver singled to left field to score Brianna DeLorenzo before Tori Garrido brought home another run with a groundout. Moments later, Jochimsen came home on a throwing error as Sioux Falls extended the advantage to 12-0.
USF added three more runs in the fourth inning when Radish scored on a wild pitch, Heule delivered an RBI single to right center, and another wild pitch allowed Heule to cross the plate for the final run of the game.
In the circle, Maddi Duncan set the tone early, striking out four over two hitless innings. Lauryn Foudree followed with two scoreless frames, and Radish closed the game with a clean fifth inning as the trio combined for eight strikeouts and a three-hit shutout.
Offensively, the Cougars saw contributions throughout the lineup. Radish led the way with two hits and two runs scored, while Kristof, Knudtson, Heule, Lawver, and Linstad each recorded RBI in the win. Nine Cougars accounted for 10 stolen bases on the day with Heule leading the charge with two.
Key Cougars vs Queens
Spring Games Recap
Sioux Falls closes its Spring Games trip with strong momentum, finishing the Florida slate with several key victories including a ranked win over No. 23 McKendree yesterday — the program's first ranked victory since 2021 when they defeated No. 1 Augustana.
The Cougars also celebrated two major milestones during the trip. Meghan Jochimsen set the USF career triples record with 11, while Maddi Duncan became the program's all-time strikeout leader with 381 career strikeouts and counting.
Across the trip, Sioux Falls showcased offensive depth and strong pitching performances, highlighted by several double-digit scoring games and multiple standout performances in the circle.
The Cougars now return north with a 12-9 record as they prepare for the next stretch of their schedule.
Up Next
Sioux Falls will head to the MIAA/NSIC Crossover next weekend to take on Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern before opening up NSIC play at Minnesota Crookston on March 21st.
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