Softball

SDSU’s Vacanti, UST’s Cook secure latest Kwik Star #SummitSB weekly honors

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State outfielder Amanda Vacanti and St. Thomas pitcher Ella Cook were deemed the latest Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week, League officials announced Tuesday.
 
Batting third in all four games, Vacanti anchored the Jackrabbit lineup throughout the week.
 
Vacanti went 8-for-12 (.667) with three home runs, nine RBIs, and five runs scored combined. The sophomore launched two homers in the tournament finale and drove in four runs in back-to-back games against Green Bay and IU Indy, capping a dominant weekend at the plate.
 
Cook anchored a strong weekend, highlighted by a pair of dominant starts. The Iowa City, Iowa, native went 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA across nine innings for St. Thomas, allowing just five hits and one earned run while striking out 10. She held her two opponents to a combined .156 BAA.
 
The weekend concluded with a complete-game effort, as Cook tossed an 11-0 shutout at East Texas A&M Lions to cap a near-flawless stretch in the circle.

PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Amanda Vacanti, South Dakota State
So. | Outfield | Wentworth, S.D.
  • Batted 8-for-12 (.667) with three home runs over the weekend
  • Recorded four RBI in back-to-back games on Saturday
  • Collected the first weekly accolade of her career
 
Also nominated: Ella Husak (Kansas City), Jaedyn Valdez (North Dakota), Lileigh Nieto (North Dakota State), Taylor Sedlacek (Omaha), Laken Lienhard (St. Thomas), Camryn Kersten (South Dakota).
 
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Ella Cook, St. Thomas
R-Sr. | Pitcher | Iowa City, Iowa
  • Posted a 2-0 record with a 0.78 ERA across 9 IP in a pair of starts for the Tommies with one complete game shutout. 
  • Struck out 10 batters with a .156 BAA 
  • Collected the second weekly accolade of her career
 
Also nominated: Delilah Robles (Kansas City), Tegan Livesay (North Dakota), Madison Wihlm (North Dakota State), Maddia Groff (Omaha), Peyton Paulsen (South Dakota), Akayla Barnard (South Dakota State).

2026 Softball Peak Performers of the Week
February 10
Peak Performer: Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Jocelyn McClary, North Dakota State
 
February 17
Peak Performer: Bailey Sample, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Maddia Groff, Omaha

February 24
Peak Performer: Amanda Vacanti, South Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Ella Cook, St. Thomas

#SummitSB