SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State’s Lindsey Culver and Tori Kniesche swept the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Peak Performer of the Pitcher of the Week awards, respectively, League officials announced Monday.
Culver went 6-for-11 (.545) with two home runs, one double, three runs scored and three RBI in a three-game road sweep against North Dakota State. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native had two hits in each meeting against NDSU.
She belted the game-winning home run in a 1-0 win and her two-run home run in the first inning in game two served as the eventual game-winning hit. The senior produced another run and RBI in the series finale 3-0 victory for the sweep.
Kniesche earned two victories behind two complete-game shutouts against the Bison this past weekend. The Wayne, Neb., native allowed a combined six hits across 14 innings while walking and hitting just a batter apiece.
Kniesche struck out 19 batters between the two games, eight in game one and 11 in the series finale. Furthermore, an NDSU runner didn't reach third base in either of her starts.
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Lindsey Culver, South Dakota State
Sr. | Outfield | Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Went 6-for-11 (.545) with two home runs, one double, three RBI and three runs scored
- Had two hits in each meeting against NDSU
- Belted the game-winning home run in a 1-0 win and her two-run home run in the first inning in game two served as the eventual game-winning hit
- This is the third career Summit League weekly honor for Culver
Also nominated: Briona Woods (Kansas City), Laken Lienhard (St. Thomas), Sydney Ross (Omaha).
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
Sr. | Pitcher | Wayne, Neb.
- Earned two victories behind two complete-game shutouts versus NDSU
- Allowed a combined six hits across 14 innings while walking and hitting just a batter apiece
- Struck out 19 batters between the two games
- This is the 18th career Summit League weekly award for Kniesche
Also nominated: Camryn Stickel (Kansas City), Christina Crawford (St. Thomas).
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
March 4
Peak Performer: Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Madison Wihlm, North Dakota State
March 11
Peak Performer: Gabby Moser, South Dakota
Peak Pitcher: Sydney Nuismer, Omaha
March 18
Peak Performer: Sydney Thomason, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Camryn Stickel, Kansas City
March 25
Peak Performer: Mia Jarecki, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
April 1
Peak Performer: Lexy Smith, Kansas City
Peak Pitcher: Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
April 8
Peak Performer: Brooke Dumont, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
April 15
Peak Performer: Lindsey Culver, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Tori Kniesche, South Dakota State
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