MINOT, N.D. – It's been a solid season for the Minot State softball team, which has been tough against all its NSIC foes.

Picking up a win against league co-leader Augustana along with victories over other NSIC top teams like Winona State and Minnesota State Moorhead, each tied for third, and fifth-place St. Cloud State, and the Beavers have proven they can play with anyone in the conference.

A fact they want to prove at the NSIC Tournament in Rochester, Minnesota, which will be next Wednesday through Saturday, May 3-6.

But to get to the NSIC Tournament, the Beavers (27-19 overall, 14-10 NSIC) need one more win to punch their postseason ticket, and they go for that win – and more – this weekend on the road in Mankato playing against Minnesota State, Mankato on Saturday and against Concordia, St. Paul on Sunday. First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for 11 a.m., and Sunday's twinbill starts at 3 p.m.

The Mavericks (28-16, 17-9) are one of the teams Minot State is chasing and can pass with a sweep on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Golden Bears (24-25, 10-14) are in hot pursuit of the Beavers and one of 10 NSIC Tournament spots.

Minnesota State comes into the weekend hitting .300 – sixth-best in the NSIC – is third in home runs with 45, and second in stolen bases with 67. A potent offense that backs up an even better pitching staff as the Mavericks are third in the league with a 2.69 ERA.

As for the Golden Bears, they are No. 10 in the NSIC with a .282 team batting average, right behind Minot State (.283), but second in home runs (50). In the circle, Concordia, St. Paul is No. 11 with a team ERA of 4.54.

The Beavers pitchers are eighth in ERA at 4.04, keeping them in the middle of the NSIC standings in both offense and pitching.

Individually, Paige Kellogg leads the offense with her .341 batting average, while Brooklyn Morrison leads the Beavers (.272) with four home runs and 33 RBIs.

In the circle, Calley Olson leads the team with an 11-2 record and boasts a 3.81 ERA for a balanced staff, while Reegan Floyd (9-10) has a 3.82 ERA and a team-best 87 strikeouts.