SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – North Dakota State shortstop Bella Dean and Omaha pitcher Maddia Groff were tabbed as the latest Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week, League officials announced Tuesday.
Dean had a dominant week at the plate for North Dakota State, going 12-for-17 with four walks while posting a .706 batting average and a .762 on-base percentage. The senior delivered a walk-off grand slam, added two doubles to her Summit League-leading total of 15 on the season, and finished the week with a 1.000 slugging percentage and a 1.762 OPS.
In a three-game series against St. Thomas, the Sherrard, Ill., native hit .625 before going .778 at the plate against Kansas City, highlighted by a 4-for-4 performance for her first career four-hit game. Dean recorded at least two hits or a hit and a walk in every game, while driving in a run in five of six contests, including two game-winning RBIs and a walk-off game-winner.
Groff was dominant in the circle for Omaha, posting a 0.93 ERA across two starts as the Mavericks swept South Dakota State over the weekend.
The Omaha, Neb., native worked 15.0 innings, including one complete game, while striking out 23 batters and allowing just eight hits. Groff held Jackrabbit hitters to a .148 batting average, helping Omaha complete its first undefeated home conference regular-season slate under head coach Mike Heard.
PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Sr. | Infield | Sherrard, Ill.
- Went 12-for-17 (.706) with four walks, 12 RBIs and a walk-off grand slam
- Hit safely in every game, including a 4-for-4 career-best performance and RBI in five of six games
- Collected the fifth weekly accolade of her career and second of the season
Also nominated: Taya Hopfauf (North Dakota), Bailey Sample (Omaha), Laken Lienhard (St. Thomas), Allie Cromer (South Dakota), Abby Gentry (South Dakota State)
PEAK PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Maddia Groff, Omaha
Jr. | Pitcher | Omaha, Neb.
- Went 2-0 with a 0.93 ERA across two starts, including a complete game in the sweep
- Struck out 23 batters over 15.0 innings, allowing just eight hits and a .148 opponent average
- Collected the ninth weekly accolade of her career and third of the season
Also nominated: Madison Wihlm (North Dakota State), Ava Kleinfeldt (St. Thomas), Madison Evans (South Dakota)
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
March 17
Peak Performer: Sammy Schmidt, Omaha
Peak Pitcher: Jocelyn McClary, North Dakota State
March 24
Peak Performer: Ella Cook, St. Thomas
Peak Pitcher: Maddia Groff, Omaha
March 31
Peak Performer: Brooke Carey, South Dakota
Peak Pitcher: Alexis Wiggins, Omaha
April 7
Peak Performer: Leilani Bustamante, Kansas City
Peak Pitcher: Delilah Robles, Kansas City
April 14
Peak Performer: Jessica Delatorre, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Jocelyn McClary, North Dakota State
April 21
Peak Performer: Bella Dean, North Dakota State
Peak Pitcher: Maddia Groff, Omaha
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