USF Softball walks-off Augustana before claiming first rivalry series sweep in program history
SIOUX FALLS, S. D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls softball team made program history this afternoon, sweeping in-town rival Augustana for the first time ever with a 9-8 comeback win in game one followed by a 6-4 victory in game two at Sanford Diamonds.
The Cougars (24-23, 12-10 NSIC) showcased resilience and timely hitting throughout the doubleheader, rallying late in the opener before controlling the second game behind balanced offense and strong pitching. Sioux Falls erased a three-run deficit in the seventh inning of game one and followed with another multi-inning surge in game two to secure the historic sweep over the Vikings. Game One: Sioux Falls 9, Augustana 8 Sioux Falls struck first behind Emma Kristof , who launched a two-run home run in the first inning before adding another two-run shot in the third to give the Cougars an early 4-0 advantage.
The Cougars extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on an RBI single from Sandra Ribich , but Augustana responded in a big way in the sixth inning, plating seven runs on a combination of timely hits and two home runs to take an 8-5 lead. Facing their final three outs, Sioux Falls delivered a dramatic rally in the bottom of the seventh. Sammie Radish opened the scoring with an RBI single before Charlie Pryor brought in another run with a sacrifice groundout.
With two runners in scoring position, Morgan Linstad delivered the decisive blow, driving in two runs with a single to right center to complete the comeback and seal the 9-8 victory. Lauryn Foudree earned the win in relief, tossing 1. 1 scoreless innings to close out the game.
Game Two: Sioux Falls 6, Augustana 4 The Cougars once again found early offense, scoring three runs in the second inning highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Kyra Knudtson to take a 3-0 lead. Augustana responded with solo home runs in the fourth to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Sioux Falls answered immediately in the fifth. Knudtson added a solo home run before RBI contributions from Linstad and Andie Suhai pushed the lead to 6-2.