MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State Beavers softball team is riding a strong wave of momentum into another busy NSIC week after completing a dominant 6-0 stretch that included multiple run-rule victories and a pair of conference sweeps.
The Beavers (26-16 overall, 11-7 NSIC) continued their offensive surge last week, opening with a doubleheader sweep of the University of Mary Marauders on April 7 at the Air-Supported Dome. Minot State posted a 7-0 shutout in Game 1 before closing the day with a 10-2 run-rule win in five innings.
Minot State carried that momentum into the weekend, sweeping Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons on April 11. The Beavers opened with a 3-0 shutout behind a dominant pitching performance from Katie Newberry, who scattered three hits and struck out four in a complete-game effort. Game 2 saw Minot State's offense break out in a 13-5 victory in six innings.
The Beavers capped the week on April 12 with another sweep, this time over the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Minot State earned an 11-2 run-rule win in Game 1 before closing the series with a 12-4 victory in six innings.
In Game 1 against Minnesota Crookston, Taylor Smith led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance including a home run and three RBIs, while Isabelle Anderson added another long ball as part of a multi-extra-base hit day. Anna LaCount delivered the standout performance in Game 2, driving in six runs on a 3-for-3 outing with a double and a walk, as all nine starters reached base safely.
Newberry (8-4) picked up the win in the circle, allowing two earned runs over five innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. Kierra Fournier (8-4) also contributed with a six-inning start, giving up four earned runs while striking out three.
Offensively, Minot State continued to showcase balance across the lineup, with key contributions from Sara Van Wickler, Raivyn Millions, and Ellington Anderson throughout the week as the Beavers continued to climb the NSIC standings.
Now, Minot State turns its attention to another key conference weekend. The Beavers open with a doubleheader on Friday against the University of Jamestown Jimmies at the "MSU Bubble," with first pitch set for 3 p.m.
The Beavers then hit the road Sunday for a doubleheader against the Northern State Wolves in Aberdeen, S.D., with games beginning at noon.
With conference play heating up, Minot State will look to extend its winning streak and continue its push up the NSIC standings behind a high-powered offense and deep pitching rotation.
