North Dakota State University softball won both games of a doubleheader against Kansas City on Apr. 19, sweeping the opening two games of their Summit League series at Tharaldson Park.
The victories are significant for NDSU as they strengthen their position in the league and showcase strong performances from key players. In the first game, Mya Boos drove in Lileigh Nieto with an RBI single to give NDSU an early lead. After Kansas City tied the game in the fourth inning, Bella Dean drew a bases loaded walk in the fifth to bring home what would be the winning run. Jocelyn McClary pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits and earning her 11th win of the season and fourth complete game shutout in league play.
Nieto led NDSU offensively by going two-for-three at bat, while Dean contributed with one hit and a walk. In the second game, NDSU started quickly as Nieto’s sacrifice fly scored Amai Hanta. The Bison had a five-run second inning fueled by RBI singles from Hanta, Dean, Jessica Delatorre, and Nieto; Taylinn Warren added another run with a bases loaded walk.
Kansas City managed one run in the third before NDSU responded with five runs in the fifth inning to secure an 11-1 walk-off victory under run-rule conditions. Star Cortez drew a bases loaded walk for one score before Dean ended her four-hit performance by hitting a grand slam—her second career grand slam and first since February—for five RBIs total.
According to team records mentioned after Sunday’s games, it was also just the second grand slam at Tharaldson Park since its dedication in 2022. Hanta finished with three hits while Delatorre and Zoe King each recorded two hits.
NDSU is scheduled to conclude its series against Kansas City on Monday morning at Tharaldson Park.
