SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Omaha catcher Sydney Ross and South Dakota State pitcher Tori Kniesche collected the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week accolades, respectively, League officials announced Monday.
Ross hit .692 and went 9-for-13 with three doubles, eight RBI and scored six runs in a 4-1 weekend at the Texas A&M Commerce Tournament. The fifth-year catcher recorded at least one hit in all five games, including two against Texas A&M – Commerce.
The Lee’s Summit, Mo., native drove in three runs on two doubles against Abilene Christian in the second day of the tournament.
Kniesche earned herself a pair of wins to help lead the Jackrabbits at the Michelle Short Memorial Classic. The Wayne, Neb., native began the tournament with a complete-game win against Purdue where she allowed just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out 13 batters.
She then faced Central Arkansas and threw another complete game where she allowed one run on five hits and struck out nine batters. The senior closed her stay in 1.2 innings of scoreless relief against with three strikeouts against the Bears.
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Sydney Ross, Omaha
Gr. | Catcher | Lee’s Summit, Mo.
- Went 9-for-13 (.692 batting average) with eight RBI, three doubles and six runs scored
- Notched a .923 slugging percentage and a .688 on-base percentage
- This is the first career Summit League weekly award for Ross
Also nominated: Gabby Moser (South Dakota), Reanna Rudd (North Dakota State), Emma Osmundson (South Dakota State), Briona Woods (Kansas City).
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
Sr. | Pitcher | Wayne, Neb.
- Earned two victories to at the Michelle Short Memorial Classic
- Began her weekend with a complete game win against Purdue, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out 13 hitters
- Threw another complete game triumph over Central Arkansas with one run allowed on five hits at struck out nine
- This is the 14th career Summit League weekly accolade for Kniesche
Also nominated: Clara Edwards (South Dakota), Camryn Stickel (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
February 26
Peak Performer: Sydney Ross, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
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