MINOT, N.D. – After seeing a half-dozen games canceled by last week's blizzard, the Minot State softball team is back on the bus and eagerly welcomes the return to action.
The Beavers (26-10 overall, 7-5 NSIC), who are off to the program's second-best start ever, look to build on that with six games on the road over the remainder of the week, starting with a neutral-site doubleheader against the University of Minnesota Crookston on Thursday at 10 a.m.
After taking on the Golden Eagles (13-28, 4-12) at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., the Beavers head to Upper Iowa (16-19, 7-8) for a pair of games on Saturday, then wrap up the week at Winona State (25-11, 11-3) for a twinbill on Sunday.
With snow covering the South Hill Complex and the air-supported bubble on the Minot State campus out of service, the chance to get outside is a great opportunity.
"They are very excited to hit the road," Minot State coach
Nat Wagner said of his team, which has been off since April 10 because of the weather. "While we would love to be in the Bubble, the move this last week to smaller spaces will, we hope, prove a blessing in disguise – a chance to ground ourselves in fundamentals, heal up a little bit, and refocus on our team goals.
"This week presents an opportunity to test our resilience," Minot State's coach added.
With the snowstorm last week making the Bubble unavailable, the Beavers have been forced to practice in batting cages inside the MSU Dome, a significant change from the past few months and an additional challenge to overcome.
The Beavers look to make the most out of a difficult situation, though, when they take on a Golden Eagles squad they've already beaten three times in non-conference play this spring – all three times in the Bubble, 3-0 back in February, then 10-2 and 10-1 in a March doubleheader
Trinity Valentine led the way in two of those wins allowing just two runs on seven total hits while striking out 15 UMC hitters in 12 2/3 innings work.
Relentless offense has also been a key with
Brooklyn Morrison leading the way going 5-for-8 with a pair of home runs against the Golden Eagles, and
Kiera Shwaluk adding three hits, four RBIs, and four stolen bases.
Of course, while the Beavers have been challenged by having to relocate practices and games recently, they also have faced the injury bug, making a 10-day rest somewhat beneficial.
"We have been hit hard by injuries," Wagner said, adding, "we need the next wave of players to step up and maintain our competitive brand of ball.
As for this week against Minnesota Crookston, Upper Iowa, and Winona State, the keys to success remain the same for Minot State.
"We need to make our routine plays defensively, execute quality pitches at a higher rate, and make quick adjustments in the box," Minot State's coach said. "All three teams we face are coming off of successful weeks and riding positive momentum. We need to contest every pitch and strive to win every inning, clawing our way to some important points down the stretch. We need to fight for some positive momentum of our own, hopeful elevating ourselves back into the top echelon of the conference."
