SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota catcher Abi Brown and North Dakota pitcher Unity Nelson earned this week’s Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week awards, League officials announced Tuesday.
Brown powered the Yotes to a pair of road wins at Colorado State (6-2) and Northern Colorado (7-4), hitting .636 on the weekend with a double, triple and home run. She drove in five RBIs across the two victories and recorded two multi-RBI performances.
The Bennington, Neb., native also tallied three multi-hit games during the weekend, consistently setting the tone at the plate and helping lead the offense in both wins.
Nelson was dominant in the circle this past week, posting a 2-0 record with a 0.54 ERA across 13.0 innings pitched. The sophomore allowed just one run and held opposing hitters to a .163 batting average while racking up 17 strikeouts.
The sophomore tossed a pair of complete games over the weekend, beginning with a six-inning shutout against Norfolk State on Friday. Nelson followed with another stellar outing Saturday against Fairleigh Dickinson, striking out a career-high 12 across 7.0 innings. Her strong week lowered her season ERA to 2.85.
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Abi Brown, South Dakota
Jr. | Catcher | Bennington, Neb.
- Hit .636 on the weekend with a double, triple and home run, recording five RBIs and two multi-RBI games
- Tallied three multi-hit performances while helping power the USD to wins at Colorado State (6-2) and Northern Colorado (7-4)
- Collected the first weekly accolade of her career
Also nominated: Taya Hopfauf (North Dakota), Morgan Zimmerman (North Dakota State), Avery Wukawitz (St. Thomas), Kendall Daniel (South Dakota State).
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Unity Nelson, North Dakota
So. | Pitcher | Tecumseh, Mich.
- Went 2-0 with a 0.54 ERA across 13.0 innings pitched on the weekend
- Delivered a six-inning shutout vs. Norfolk State and a 7.0-inning outing with a career-high 12 strikeouts vs. FDU
- Collected the first weekly accolade of her career
Also nominated: Mya Tautges (St. Thomas), Madison Evans (South Dakota), Hailey Herman (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
March 3
Peak Performer: Marra Cramer, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Madison Wihlm, North Dakota State
March 10
Peak Performer: Abi Brown, South Dakota
Peak Pitcher: Unity Nelson, North Dakota
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