MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State softball team heads back on the road this weekend as the Beavers continue Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play with a pair of doubleheaders.

Minot State travels to Augustana on Friday for a noon doubleheader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before heading to Wayne State on Saturday for another matchup beginning at noon in Wayne, Nebraska.

The Beavers (28-18 overall, 13-9 NSIC) enter the weekend following a pair of splits last week. Minot State opened with a 2-1 victory over Jamestown behind a dominant complete-game effort from Katie Newberry, who struck out seven and did not issue a walk. Sara Van Wickler led the offense in the win, going 3-for-3 as the Beavers capitalized on timely hitting.

In the nightcap, Minot State had early scoring opportunities but fell 4-1.

The Beavers bounced back Sunday with another split against Northern State. After a narrow 3-2 loss in Game 1, Minot State responded with a strong 7-2 victory in the finale. The offense erupted early with six runs in the first two innings, highlighted by two-RBI doubles from Mallory Hoogensen and Van Wickler. Sarah Misner earned the win in the circle, while Taylor Kruse added scoreless relief.

Minot State has consistently found itself in tight contests, with three of its last four games decided by just one run, showcasing the team's ability to compete in close situations.

This weekend presents another challenge as the Beavers face Augustana, a perennial NSIC contender, before taking on Wayne State on the road.

With four conference games on tap, Minot State will look to carry its momentum into the weekend and continue climbing the NSIC standings as the regular season nears its final stretch.