SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Two down, two to go.
The Minot State softball team continued its march through the NSIC Tournament on Thursday as the Beavers jumped on top early and rolled to a 5-2 upset of 2nd-seeded Concordia, St. Paul.
Sophomore Sara Van Wickler recorded two extra-base hits to help lead Minot State (24-18 overall) over the Golden Bears (37-14) for the third time this season.
Junior Reegan Floyd (10-8) started in the circle and picked up the win for Minot State. The right-hander went seven innings, giving up two runs, both of them earned, on eight hits, allowing no walks and striking out three.
Van Wickler's two extra-base hits were the highlight of a 2-for-4 day that included two doubles and an RBI. Junior Abby Lohse put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Senior Taryn Bennett also contributed for the Beavers, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding a triple.
With the victory, the Beavers advance to the NSIC Tournament semifinals and will play Minnesota Duluth on Friday at 2:30 p.m. for a spot in the title game, and a shot at an automatic berth to the NCAA National Tournament.
COACH'S COMMENTS
"Again, I'm very proud of our team today," said Beavers coach Sal Rodriguez, whose team also beat Northern State 7-0 on Wednesday to open play in the tournament. "The ladies did everything it took to get the win. Admittedly, we didn't play our best defense, but we managed to limit the damage and keep ourselves in the game. Floyd has continued to grind out great starts and always gives us a chance to win. Likewise, our at bats are looking really good; we are finding barrels, and capitalizing on our opportunities!"
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Beavers got on the scoreboard first, starting in the third inning. Senior Lauryn DeGuzman came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minot State on an error and get the Beavers on the board.
The Beavers then held the Golden Bears scoreless before expanding their lead in the fifth inning. The Minot State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a one-run home run off the bat of Lohse, which brought the score to 5-0 in favor of the Beavers. DeGuzman, Van Wickler, and Brooklyn Morrison also added an RBI each in the rally.
Concordia Saint Paul put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Minot State still held on for the 5-2 win.
GAME NOTES
» The Beavers power output was led by Van Wickler, who picked up two extra-base hits in the ballgame.
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Minot State pitchers limited Concordia Saint Paul to just 1-for-9 (.111) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 31 Concordia Saint Paul hitters in the game, allowing 13 ground balls and five fly balls while striking out three.
» Van Wickler led the Beavers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.
» Concordia Saint Paul was led offensively by senior Annalise Scamehorn, who went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
» Junior Erica McCullough led the Golden Bears pitching staff, throwing seven innings of five-run ball.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
