Jillian Noel’s clutch hitting led the Southwest Minnesota State softball team to a thrilling 6-4 victory in the first game of a doubleheader against Sioux Falls on Wednesday. With the game tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Noel stepped up to the plate with two outs and runners on the corners. She delivered a game-winning hit, driving in two runs to give the Mustangs the lead.
Noel’s heroics marked the fourth time in the team’s last five home games that she has had a go-ahead RBI, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. The Mustangs’ head coach, Bailey Bouman, praised the team’s tenacity and fighting spirit, which has contributed to their success this season.
Despite a strong defensive effort in the second game, the Mustangs fell short and lost 1-0 to Sioux Falls. The Cougars capitalized on a scoring opportunity in the fifth inning to take the lead and secure the victory.
With the split, Southwest Minnesota State moves to 10-12 in conference play and 19-26 overall, while Sioux Falls sits at 7-15 in conference and 16-27 overall. The Mustangs will now prepare for a road trip to face tough opponents in Concordia-St. Paul and Winona State.
Coach Bouman emphasized the importance of winning on the road, as the team has struggled away from home this season. The upcoming matchups against Concordia-St. Paul and Winona State will test the Mustangs’ ability to perform in hostile environments and secure crucial wins in the NSIC standings.