By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Cougars showcased their resilience at Ronken Field, splitting a pair of high-stakes NSIC Playoff games. After a tough 14-5 defeat to #1 seeded Minnesota State in the opener, the Cougars ignited the crowd with a stunning 11-10 rollercoaster victory against Minnesota Duluth, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
Game 1: #4 Sioux Falls vs. #1 Minnesota State (L, 5-14)
The day began with a challenging matchup against the #1-seed Minnesota State Mavericks (46-5). Sioux Falls struck first in the second inning, with Ryan Gouldin launching a three-run homer to left field, scoring William Edwards and Jaxon Haase to give USF a 3-0 lead. However, Minnesota State responded immediately, as Jake Berkland drove in a run and Nick Baker smashed a three-run homer to take a 4-3 lead.
USF regained the lead in the fourth when Mitch Iliff doubled to center, driving in Dominic Vogel and Nolan Drossel to make it 5-4. But the Mavericks' offense proved relentless, erupting for two runs in the fourth and a massive six-run fifth inning, highlighted by Berkland's two-RBI single and a series of walks that pushed the score to 12-5. Minnesota State added runs in the sixth and eighth, with Zach Stroh's solo homer sealing a 14-5 victory.
Despite the loss, USF showed fight, with Bonner (3-for-5) and Gouldin (1-for-4, 3 RBI) leading the offense. Brady Baur took the loss, allowing seven runs over 4.1 innings. The Cougars managed 10 hits but couldn't keep pace with Minnesota State's disciplined approach, which saw them draw 12 walks and capitalize on key opportunities.
Game 2: #4 Sioux Falls vs. #6 Minnesota Duluth (W, 11-10)
The evening game against Minnesota Duluth (26-27) was a heart-pounding affair that showcased the Cougars' resilience and clutch performance. The game remained tight early, with Minnesota Duluth taking a 1-0 lead in the third on Joey Flom's RBI double. USF answered in the bottom half when Nolan Drossel's sacrifice fly scored Noah Christenson, tying it at 1-1.
The fourth inning saw USF explode for five runs. Isaac Bonner's RBI single and Ben Serie's RBI single set the stage for Ryan Gouldin's three-run homer down the left-field line, giving the Cougars a commanding 6-2 lead. Jaxon Haase added to the momentum in the fifth with a two-run homer, scoring Mitch Iliff to push the lead to 8-4.
Minnesota Duluth fought back, scoring two runs in the fifth and staging a dramatic six-run eighth inning. The Bulldogs capitalized on a series of hits, including Flom's RBI triple and a fielding error to surge ahead 10-8. The comeback seemed to tilt the game in Duluth's favor, but the Cougars refused to go quietly.
In the bottom of the eighth, USF mounted a rally that will be remembered as one of the season's defining moments. Ben Serie, who later earned the win as a relief pitcher, sparked the comeback by reaching base and scoring on William Edwards' RBI single up the middle, cutting the deficit to 10-9. Noah Christenson kept the momentum alive with a single, and Nolan Drossel's RBI single tied the game at 10-10, sending the crowd into a frenzy. With the pressure mounting, Dominic Vogel delivered the decisive blow—a single to left field that scored Christenson from second, securing an 11-10 victory.
The Cougars' offense was relentless, amassing 15 hits. Jaxon Haase (2-for-4, 2 RBI, HR) and Ryan Gouldin (1-for-4, 3 RBI, HR) powered the lineup, while Isaac Bonner (3-for-4, 1 RBI) and Noah Christenson (3-for-4, 2 R) provided consistent production. Ben Serie not only contributed offensively (2-for-4, 1 RBI) but also earned the win, pitching two innings and allowing three runs (two earned). Ethan Pettis took the loss for Duluth, surrendering three runs in 3.1 innings.
Up Next
With a 31-27 record, Sioux Falls now prepares to face #5 seed St. Cloud State in the next round of the NSIC Playoffs at 3:30pm at Sioux Falls Stadium. The Cougars previously defeated St. Cloud State in the tournament's first round. A win would advance USF to face the loser of the matchup between #1 Minnesota State and #2 Augustana University.