SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota outfielder Ella McGee and pitcher McKenna Young showcased stellar performances to sweep this week’s Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week honors, League officials announced Monday. The duo propelled USD to a 2-1 series victory over North Dakota to open Summit League play.
 
McGee delivered an exceptional weekend at the plate, boasting a .500 batting average across three games. The West Des Moines, Iowa, native extended her hit streak to nine games, recording hits in all three matchups against North Dakota. McGee tallied three extra-base hits—a double, triple, and an inside-the-park home run—while scoring seven runs and driving in four. Her contributions helped the Coyotes outscore the Fighting Hawks 22-8 during the series.
 
In game one, McGee went 2-for-3 with three RBI, three runs, and a home run. She consistently impacted the scoreboard, scoring two or more runs in each game of the series.
 
Young earned a pair of complete-game victories from the circle against the Fighting Hawks. The Brodhead, Wis., native threw a total of 12.0 innings, posting a 0.58 ERA with 16 strikeouts. Young allowed just two runs (one earned) and seven hits across her two outings.
 
In the series opener, Young delivered a shutout performance, striking out 10 batters and limiting North Dakota to just three hits in a 7-0 victory. She followed up her fifth double-digit strikeout performance of the season with another strong showing in game three, striking out six and allowing only one earned run in USD’s 10-2 run-rule win.
  
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Ella McGee, South Dakota
Fr. | Outfielder | West Des Moines, Iowa

• Collected the first weekly honor of her career.
• Posted a .500 batting average across three games against UND.
• Scored two or more runs in all three games against the Fighting Hawks.
• Extended her hit streak to nine games.

Also nominated: Camryn Lasota (North Dakota), Amai Hanta (North Dakota State), Zoe Trotter (St. Thomas).
 
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
McKenna Young, South Dakota
So. | Pitcher | Brodhead, Wis.

• Capture her first career weekly accolade.
• Earned a pair of a complete-game victories in the series win over North Dakota.
• Threw 12.0 innings in two starts while posting a 0.58 ERA with 16 strikeouts.
• Allowed just one earned run and seven hits.

Also nominated: Makaela Carr (North Dakota), Piper Reed (North Dakota State), Ella Cook (St. Thomas).
 
2025 Softball Peak Performers of the Week
February 10
Peak Performer: Ava Rongisch, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Makaela Carr, North Dakota
 
February 17
Peak Performer: Sammy Schmidt, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Maddia Groff, Omaha
 
February 24
Peak Performer: Rylee Henderson, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: McKenna Young, South Dakota
 
March 3
Peak Performer: Tatum Villotta, South Dakota
Peak Pitcher: Clara Edwards, South Dakota
 
March 10
Peak Performer: Sydney Thomason, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Maddia Groff, Omaha
 
March 17
Peak Performer: Mia Jarecki, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Makaela Carr, North Dakota
 
March 24
Peak Performer: Ella McGee, South Dakota
Peak Pitcher: McKenna Young, South Dakota
 
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