Duluth, Minn. - An eighth inning two RBI walk-off hit from Dea Deleon helped the Minnesota Duluth Bulldog softball team to a series sweep of the Sioux Falls Cougars on Sunday afternoon at Malosky Stadium in Duluth. On the day, UMD pieced together 8-0 and 7-6 victories to earn the NSIC series sweep. Additionally, the Bulldogs honored their graduating seniors, past alumni and Mandy Matula on Sunday afternoon in Duluth. 

"Two exciting games and two exciting wins today," said Head Coach Lynn Anderson. "Multiple people stepped up in big moments throughout the day. I love that we stayed in a good mindset in pressure situations, that's huge, especially going into postseason play soon. I also love that we got a sweep on such an important, meaningful day with senior day, alumni day, and honoring Mandy Matula. We played for things much bigger than ourselves today. I thank all of our alumni that were able to make it today and braved the weather to be here and keep the memories of Mandy going."

Offensively, the Bulldogs were led by Kiana Bender, who went 3-for-6 at the plate with four RBI, including a three-RBI homer in the seventh inning of game two. Bender is now tied with 5th-year senior Jordyn Thomas for first on the team in RBI with 36 on the season. Deleon, Nicole Schmitt and Sidney Zavoral all tallied two RBI each during the pair of games on Sunday. In the eighth inning of game two, Deleon notched a two RBI single down the left field line to score two runs and give the Bulldogs the 7-6 win. Additionally, Kelly Swank chipped in a home run of her own on the day to help UMD to the series sweep. 

On the mound, Lauren Dixon collected a pair of victories on the afternoon to move to 14-6 overall on the year. In game one, Dixon noted a shut out, while limiting the Cougars to just four hits in five innings of work. Though she wouldn't get the start in game two, Dixon still received the win after relieving 5th-year senior Sam Pederson in the fourth inning of the series finale. 

Up Next
Due to expected cold temperatures in Duluth on Monday, the University of Minnesota Duluth's double header with Southwest Minnesota State has been moved to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Game times on Monday, April 25, will remain at 12 & 2 PM. Additionally, the games will be played at UST's South Field.