MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State softball team started its NSIC race just the way it wanted, with a pair of wins.
In a four-way tie for the league lead, the Beavers (15-9 overall, 2-0 NSIC) now will try and remain at the top of the standings as Minot State hosts two of the preseason favorites in Minnesota Duluth on Saturday, and St. Cloud State on Sunday at the Air-Supporter Dome.
First pitch on Saturday against the Bulldogs (15-6, 1-1) is scheduled for noon with the teams playing a doubleheader, then the Beavers take on the Huskies (16-11, 1-1) in another NSIC twinbill starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Part of a busy weekend in the MSU "Bubble" as the University of Mary will play its relocated NSIC home doubleheaders against St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth in the Air-Supported Dome on the MSU campus, as well, following the Beaver games each day. Mary plays St. Cloud State on Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and Minnesota Duluth on Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Beavers grabbed their two opening wins over visiting Mary on Tuesday led by outstanding pitching as
Calley Olson (6-1) earned one win in relief, striking out a Marauder batter and allowing just two hits in 3 1/3 innings work in a 3-2 victory, then
Kierra Fournier (3-3) struck out three and also allowed just two hits in her first collegiate shutout, an 8-0 win in five innings.
Izzy Penner and
Paige Kellogg each had an RBI in the opening win for a balanced Beaver offense, while
Abby Lohse had three RBIs in the second victory.
Part of an offense that has been clicking all season for Minot State, which is hitting .319, third-best in the NSIC, and averaging 6.54 runs per game.
The Beavers face two very tough teams in the Bulldogs and Huskies, though, teams who split their Tuesday doubleheader head-to-head with St. Cloud State winning 3-1, and Minnesota Duluth winning 4-0.
Pitching is key for both as Minnesota Duluth's staff is stingy with the second-lowest ERA in the league at 1.79, though St. Cloud State is close behind at No. 4 in the NSIC at 2.85.
The Bulldogs' Mady Stariha leads all NSIC pitchers with a 1.30 ERA and a 5-2 record in nine starts, while teammate Lauren Dixon is not far behind with the sixth-best ERA of 2.07 and a 5-2 record, as well.
St. Cloud State also boasts a tough top two in the circle in Trinity Junker and Justyce Porter who are fifth and seventh, respectively, in the NSIC with a 2.00 ERA and 10-3 record and a 2.45 ERA and a 3-2 record.
The Huskies also are one of the top hitting teams with a team-average of .303 this season, fourth-best in the league, while the Bulldogs are hitting. 284, which is in the middle of the NSIC pack.
One other notable for Beaver fans this weekend will be the homecoming of former Minot State first baseman
Jamie Odlum who is fifth all-time in batting average (.391) and career hits (173) for the Beavers. Odlum is playing her final year of collegiate eligibility with St. Cloud State.
