MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State softball team returns to action this week looking to build on a strong weekend that saw the Beavers win three of four games in NSIC play.

Minot State opens the week Tuesday with an in-state matchup against the University of Mary in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. inside the Minot State Dome. The Beavers then move outdoors this weekend, hosting Minnesota State Moorhead on Saturday and the University of Minnesota Crookston on Sunday at the SCHEELS South Hill Softball Complex. First pitch for both weekend doubleheaders is scheduled for noon.

The Beavers (20-16 overall, 5-7 NSIC) enter the week with momentum after sweeping Bemidji State on Friday. Minot State opened the day with a 10-2 victory powered by a historic performance from sophomore Sarah Misner, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI, tying the program's single-game school record for hits.

Isabelle Anderson also delivered a big day at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a triple, a home run and four RBIs, while Sara Van Wickler added a home run as the Beavers totaled 17 hits in the opener. Senior Kierra Fournier earned the win in the circle with a complete-game effort.

Minot State followed that performance with a 9-1 victory in Game 2. Paige Kellogg highlighted the early offense with a two-run home run in the first inning, and the Beavers added five runs in the fifth to seal the run-rule win. Misner picked up the victory in the circle, striking out five over five innings.

The Beavers continued conference play Saturday with a split against Minnesota Duluth. Minot State earned a 5-4 extra-inning victory in Game 1 as Sara Van Wickler went 3-for-3 with a home run, while Misner drove in two runs with a double in the first inning. Fournier struck out six in six innings before Calley Olson secured the win in relief.

In the nightcap, Anna LaCount led the offense with a 3-for-3 performance that included a home run and a double, while Maizy Whitlow added a two-run homer. Minnesota Duluth rallied late to claim a 4-3 win in eight innings.

Now the Beavers turn their focus to three key conference doubleheaders this week, beginning with Tuesday's matchup against the Marauders before hosting MSU Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston over the weekend.

With six NSIC games on the schedule, Minot State will look to continue its recent offensive surge and climb the conference standings.