SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Augustana University’s softball team showcased their championship pedigree on Friday afternoon at Bowden Field, roaring back from an early deficit to defeat Minnesota Duluth 8-2 in the NSIC Tournament semifinals. The win marked the Vikings’ 20th consecutive victory and avenged a pair of earlier season losses to the Bulldogs. With the victory, top-seeded Augustana punched their ticket to Saturday’s NSIC Tournament Championship against Winona State.
The game started off as a defensive battle, with both teams allowing just one combined baserunner in the first two innings. Pitchers Grace Glanzer for Augustana and her Bulldog counterpart worked efficiently, keeping batters off balance and off base. However, Duluth struck first in the top of the third, cracking open the scoring with a solo home run followed by a double down the right field line, jumping ahead 2-0.
That lead wouldn’t last long.
In the bottom half of the third, the Vikings began to swing momentum in their favor. Sidney Smart sparked the offense with a double to right center, setting the stage for Andrea Cain. Continuing her weekend hot streak, Cain blasted a two-run home run over the left field fence, evening the score at 2-2 and energizing the Augie dugout.
After a quiet fourth inning with both sides retired in order, Augustana’s offense erupted in the fifth. The Vikings cycled through their entire batting order, putting together a barrage of hits and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Eight unanswered runs capped the comeback, turning a close contest into a commanding lead.
Lexi Lander and Sidney Smart led the offensive charge with two hits each, while Cain continued to deliver in clutch moments, finishing the game with two RBIs, one home run, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch while scoring twice.
On the defensive side, Ella Cooper stood out with nine putouts, and Norah Christiansen added three assists to back up their pitchers.
In the circle, Glanzer notched her 23rd win of the season. The ace hurler pitched five strong innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits. She faced 18 batters and recorded five groundouts and five flyouts in another impressive outing. Lander closed the game with two perfect innings, retiring all six batters she faced.
The Vikings’ dominant display in the semifinal serves as a statement ahead of their championship showdown with Winona State. Riding the momentum of 20 straight wins, Augustana looks poised to capture yet another NSIC title and extend their remarkable postseason run.
First pitch for the championship game is set for Saturday, and fans can expect another high-energy performance from the red-hot Vikings.
