MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State softball team returns home this weekend to close out the regular season with a pair of NSIC doubleheaders at the SCHEELS South Hill Softball Complex.

The Beavers host Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday with first pitch set for 12 p.m., then wrap up the regular season Sunday against Sioux Falls, also beginning at noon, before heading to Sioux Falls for the NSIC Tournament.

Minot State (29-21 overall, 14-12 NSIC) looks to carry momentum into the final weekend after earning a split on the road at Wayne State. The Beavers dropped a 3-1 decision in Game 1 despite a 2-for-3 effort from Paige Kellogg, but responded with a late rally in the nightcap to secure a 3-2 victory.

In that win, Minot State scored twice in the seventh inning, capitalizing on timely at-bats from Raivyn Millions and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to complete the comeback. Katie Newberry earned the win in relief with 2.1 shutout innings, while Sara Van Wickler led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance and an RBI.

The Beavers opened last weekend at Augustana, falling 15-0 in the opener before bouncing back with a much stronger showing in a narrow 3-2 loss in Game 2. Mallory Hoogensen provided a highlight in the nightcap with a home run as Minot State out-hit the Vikings 8-6 but came up just short.

Across the four games, Minot State continued to battle in close contests, with two of the last three games decided by a single run.

Now, the Beavers return to Minot for their final home games of the regular season, looking to build momentum heading into postseason play. Southwest Minnesota State and Sioux Falls each provide important conference matchups as the NSIC standings tighten entering the final weekend.

With four games remaining within the regular season, Minot State has an opportunity to secure key wins at home this weekend and solidify their spot in the NSIC Tournament.