SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – North Dakota State infielder Bella Dean and South Dakota pitcher Clara Edwards garnered the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, League officials announced Monday.
 
Dean hit. 571 and went 12-for-21 with two home runs, two doubles and seven RBI in seven games. The Sherrard, Ill., native scored six runs, had four walks and finished with a .640 on-base percentage and a 1.592 OPS.
 
The sophomore infielder went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and two walks in an 8-7 triumph over Elon in the Marucci Classic. She recorded at least one hit in all seven games including a pair of hits in three straight games.
 
Edwards pitched three complete games, including two shutouts, allowing a total of one earned run in 20 innings of work at the Panther Invitational. The Clay Center, Kan., native gave up four hits, walked three and struck out five in a complete game shutout over Georgia State.
 
She followed that performance by yielding six hits, walking two and fanning two in a complete game shutout over Butler. Her final outing of the week saw her allow just one earned run in six innings on four hits and a season high eight strikeouts against Belmont.
  
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Bella Dean, North Dakota State
So. | Infield | Sherrard, Ill.

• Went 12-for-21 with a .571 batting average including two doubles and two home runs
• Recorded a .952 slugging percentage, seven RBI, scored six runs, walked four times and finished with a .640 on-base percentage and a 1.592 OPS
• This is the second career Summit League weekly accolade for Dean

Also nominated: Delaney White (South Dakota), Sydney Thomason (Omaha), Emma Osmundson (South Dakota State), Madison Pederson (North Dakota), Lexy Smith (Kansas City).
 
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Clara Edwards, South Dakota
Jr. | Pitcher | Clay Center, Kan.

• Pitched three complete games, including two shutouts, allowing just one earned run over 20 innings
• Gave up four hits, walked three and struck out five in a complete game shutout over Georgia State
• Yielded six hits, walked two and fanned two in a complete game shutout against Butler
• Allowed just one earned run in six innings allowing four hits, one walk and a season high eight strikeouts against Belmont
• This is the fifth career Summit League weekly honor for Edwards

Also nominated: Savy Williams (North Dakota State), Kamryn Meyer (Omaha), Akayla Barnard (South Dakota State), Bailey Brumley (Kansas City).
 
2024 Softball Weekly Award Winners
February 12
Peak Performer: Emma Osmundson, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Kamryn Meyer, Omaha
 
February 19
Peak Performer: Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Clara Edwards, South Dakota

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