SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – North Dakota State infielder Bella Dean and pitcher Jocelyn McClary were named the season’s first Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week following the opening weekend of the college softball season, League officials announced Tuesday.
 
Dean and McClary helped the Bison to a 3-2 start to the 2026 season.
 
For the third time in her career, Dean had a multi-home run game, going yard twice in the season opener against Colgate. She added another home run the next day against Colgate and later hit a two-run homer versus 2025 NCAA Regional Finalist North Florida, providing the only runs in a 2-0 shutout victory for the Bison.
 
Dean also contributed two doubles, a walk, and a stolen base, crossing the plate six times over the weekend while accounting for 11 of NDSU’s 22 runs scored.
 
The Sherrard, Ill., native posted a slugging percentage of 1.278 and an on-base percentage of .526 to get her senior year off to a hot start.
 
McClary made her debut against Colgate, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings in relief. The freshman returned the next day to face Colgate again, recording three more scoreless innings and earning a save.
 
Later that day, McClary made her first career start against 2025 NCAA Regional Finalist North Florida, throwing a complete game shutout against an offense that had run-ruled Auburn earlier in the week.
 
For the weekend, the Eagan, Minn., native struck out 14 batters while allowing just 13 hits and one walk, setting a strong tone to open her collegiate career.

PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Sr. | Infield | Sherrard, Ill.

• Hit .500 with four home runs and nine RBI through the opening five games
• Recorded two home runs in the season opener against Colgate
• Collected the fourth weekly accolade of her career

Also nominated: Ella Husak (Kansas City), Hailey Bethune (North Dakota), Sammy Schmidt (Omaha), Brooke Carey (South Dakota), Alivya Bollen (South Dakota State), Ella Cook (St. Thomas).
 
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Jocelyn McClary, North Dakota State
Fr. | Pitcher | Eagan, Minn.

• Rounded out the opening weekend with 14.2 scoreless innings
• Tossed a complete game shutout against North Florida, a 2025 NCAA Regional Finalist
• Collected the first weekly accolade of her career

Also nominated: Delilah Robles (Kansas City), Tegan Livesay (North Dakota), Alexis Wiggins (Omaha), Madison Evans (South Dakota), Madi Mangulis (South Dakota State), Ella Cook (St. Thomas).

2026 Softball Peak Performers of the Week
February 10
Peak Performer: Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Jocelyn McClary, North Dakota State
 
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