MINOT, N.D. – The University of Sioux Falls softball team closed out the 2026 regular season today, dropping both games of a doubleheader to Minot State at Scheels South Hill Complex. The Beavers took game one 14-1 before completing the sweep with an 8-0 win in game two.
Sioux Falls wraps up the regular season at 28-27 overall and 16-14 in NSIC play, turning its attention to postseason competition following a challenging finale.
Game One – Minot State 14, Sioux Falls 1 (5 inn.)
Minot State used a pair of big innings to pull away early in game one, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues to build a commanding lead.
After a scoreless opening frame, the Beavers broke through in the second inning with three runs, all unearned, before erupting for six runs in the third. Minot State added five more in the fourth, highlighted by a three-run home run from Taylor Smith, to stretch the lead to 14-1.
Sioux Falls managed its lone run in the fourth inning when Sammie Radish drove in a run on a fielder's choice, scoring Emma Kristof.
The Cougars recorded two hits in the contest, with Kyra Knudtson and Morgan Linstad each collecting singles.
Game Two – Minot State 8, Sioux Falls 0 (5 inn.)
Game two followed a similar script, as Minot State again used a big inning to take control and secure the sweep.
The Beavers plated two runs in the third inning before breaking the game open with a six-run fourth, taking advantage of multiple unearned scoring opportunities to extend the lead to 8-0.
Sioux Falls was limited offensively, managing just two hits in the contest from Knudtson and Linstad while putting a pair of runners in scoring position early but unable to capitalize.
In the circle, Ava Mejia worked all four innings for the Cougars, allowing eight runs—none earned—while navigating a difficult stretch defensively behind her.
NSIC Tournament Preview
With the regular season complete, Sioux Falls will enter the 2026 NSIC Softball Tournament as the No. 9 seed. The single-elimination tournament is set for May 6–9 at Bowden Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hosted by Augustana University.
The Cougars will open postseason play against No. 8 seed Southwest Minnesota State at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
Sioux Falls is one of 10 teams to qualify for the tournament field after finishing 16-14 in NSIC play. Winona State and St. Cloud State shared the NSIC regular season title at 26-4, with Winona State earning the top seed via tiebreaker.
The winner of the NSIC Tournament will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament, scheduled for May 14–16. NCAA selections will be announced on May 11.
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