It was a tough day on the road for the University of Sioux Falls softball team, as they dropped both ends of an NSIC doubleheader to a formidable St. Cloud State squad at the Husky Dome. The Cougars fell 1-0 in a classic pitcher's duel before dropping the second game 6-1, moving their season record to 22-21.

The opener was a defensive battle for the ages. USF's Maddi Duncan was brilliant in the circle, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings. Unfortunately, St. Cloud State's Jenna Porter was even better, throwing a complete-game no-hitter. The game's only run came in the fourth inning on a leadoff double and a well-executed bunt, handing Duncan a heartbreaking, hard-luck loss.

St. Cloud State carried that momentum into game two, exploding for four runs in the first inning to take immediate control. The Cougars showed fight in the second when Sandra Ribich ripped an RBI triple to cut the deficit to 4-1, but that proved to be their only offensive spark. The Huskies' pitching staff locked down from there, limiting USF to just three total hits while adding insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings to secure the sweep.

Despite the results, there were standout performances in Cougar gear. Maddi Duncan's gritty complete game in the opener and Sandra Ribich's run-producing triple showcase the talent on this roster. The team will look to bounce back quickly, using this road test as fuel for the next challenge.