Dean and McClary Earn First Summit League Softball Weekly Honors of 2026 Season
North Dakota State infielder Bella Dean and pitcher Jocelyn McClary have been recognized for their outstanding performances, earning the first Kwik Star Summit League Softball Peak Performer and Pitcher of the Week awards, respectively, following the opening weekend of the 2026 college softball season. League officials announced the accolades on Tuesday, February 10th.
Bison Start Strong with 3-2 Record
Dean and McClary’s contributions were instrumental in helping the North Dakota State Bison achieve a 3-2 record to begin their 2026 campaign. Their early success signals a promising season for the program.
Dean Dominates at the Plate
For the third time in her collegiate career, senior Bella Dean showcased her power hitting with a multi-home run game. She launched two home runs in the season opener against Colgate, adding another against the same opponent the following day. Dean continued her impressive form with a two-run homer against North Florida, a team that reached the 2025 NCAA Regional Final, providing the sole runs in a decisive 2-0 shutout victory.
Beyond her home run prowess, Dean also contributed two doubles, a walk, and a stolen base, reaching base safely and scoring six times over the weekend. She accounted for 11 of the Bison’s 22 total runs scored. “Her offensive output was truly remarkable,” noted a senior official. Dean finished the weekend with a remarkable slugging percentage of 1.278 and an on-base percentage of .526, setting a strong foundation for her final year. This recognition marks the fourth weekly accolade of her career.
McClary Shines in Collegiate Debut
Freshman pitcher Jocelyn McClary made an immediate impact, beginning with 4.2 scoreless innings in relief against Colgate. She returned to the circle the next day against Colgate, recording three more scoreless innings and securing a save.
McClary’s most impressive performance came in her first career start against North Florida, a team that had previously run-ruled Auburn. She delivered a complete game shutout, stifling a potent offense. Over the entire weekend, McClary struck out 14 batters while allowing only 13 hits and one walk, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. “She demonstrated composure and skill beyond her years,” one analyst commented. This performance earned her the first weekly accolade of her career.
Summit League Weekly Nominees
Alongside Dean and McClary, several other players received nominations for the weekly awards:
- Peak Performer: Ella Husak (Kansas City), Hailey Bethune (North Dakota), Sammy Schmidt (Omaha), Brooke Carey (South Dakota), Alivya Bollen (South Dakota State), Ella Cook (St. Thomas).
- Peak Pitcher: Delilah Robles (Kansas City), Tegan Livesay (North Dakota), Alexis Wiggins (Omaha), Madison Evans (South Dakota), Madi Mangulis (South Dakota State), Ella Cook (St. Thomas).
The strong start for both Dean and McClary bodes well for North Dakota State as they continue their 2026 softball season.
