​SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Catalyst 18U is the 2026 USA Softball South Dakota state champion after edging the Renegades 10-4 in a decisive winner-take-all finale. The game swung decisively in Catalyst’s favor during a six-run burst in the third inning, sealing their title and handing the Renegades a tough setback in the championship. The top of the inning started with Catalyst grabbing a 1-0 edge on a passed ball, but the real damage came when Catalyst plated six runs in the third frame. Tya Devericks, Brekkyn Dreesen, and Elyse Gross each delivered two-run homers in alternating at-bats, a sequence that blew the game open and provided the necessary cushion for the pitching staff to protect the lead. Desiree Hinsch starred on the mound for Catalyst, limiting the Renegades’ offense and guiding her team to the state championship win.
In Game 1 of the championship series, the Renegades defeated Catalyst 6-4 to force a deciding game. The Renegades came out strong, scoring five of their six runs in the first inning, with Hayden Kok starting things off by blasting a home run to dead center field. From there, Renegades’ offense continued to clicking, and although Catalyst made several late pushes that kept the game competitive, the Renegades’ pitching staff held firm to force a third game.
The semifinal showcased the Renegades as the better team at the plate, with their bats driving a 10-6 victory over the Hot Shots. The Hot Shots couldn’t sustain the sharp pitching they had shown in earlier rounds, allowing the Renegades to accumulate enough runs to advance to the state title game.
For full results and official brackets, visit the USA Softball of South Dakota page. This report and all related coverage are provided by Nexstar Media, Inc. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Materials may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit KELOLAND.com.