MINOT, N.D. – After opening NSIC play with a hard-fought split on the road, the Minot State softball team returns home this weekend for a pair of conference doubleheaders at the SCHEELS South Hill Softball Complex.

First pitch on Saturday against Minnesota State Mankato is scheduled for 12 p.m., with Sunday's twinbill against No. 23 Winona State also beginning at noon.

The Beavers (16-12 overall, 1-3 NSIC) showed grit in their opening weekend of conference play, highlighted by a 4-3 victory over St. Cloud State in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader.

After being shut out 1-0 in the opener despite out-hitting the Huskies 5-3, Minot State responded with timely offense in the nightcap. Senior Kierra Fournier earned the win in the circle, tossing six innings, while Taylor Kruser closed the door with a scoreless inning of relief.

At the plate, Sarah Misner led the way, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run, while Brooke Hyde delivered the go-ahead two-out RBI double in the sixth inning. Paige Kellogg also added an RBI as the Beavers totaled nine hits in the win.

In Game 1, Sara Van Wickler paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with a double and a triple, Katie Newberry turned in a strong performance in the circle, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven in six innings.

The Beavers carried that momentum into Sunday, battling Concordia-St. Paul in a pair of close contests. Minot State dropped a 4-3 decision in nine innings in Game 1 before falling 6-4 in the finale, with all four games on the weekend decided by three runs or fewer.

Minot State now returns home looking to turn those close contests into wins as conference play continues.

Minnesota State Mankato visits on Saturday to open the weekend, providing a solid early-season NSIC test, while Sunday's matchup features No. 23 Winona State.