MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State Beavers celebrated Senior Day in style Saturday, sweeping Southwest Minnesota State in an NSIC doubleheader behind a powerful offensive performance that produced 21 runs and six home runs across the two victories.
Prior to first pitch, Minot State honored its senior class of Kierra Fournier, Sara Van Wickler, Mallory Hoogensen, Paige Kellogg, and Taylor Smith for their contributions to the program.
GAME 1 | Minot State 10, Southwest Minnesota State 2
MINOT, N.D. – Taylor Smith powered the Beavers to a dominant Game 1 victory, blasting two home runs in a 10-2 win.
Senior Kierra Fournier (9-8) earned the win in the circle for Minot State (30-21, 15-12), allowing two runs on six hits while striking out six over five innings.
Smith finished 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, and three RBIs, while Brooke Hyde added a home run, double, and three RBIs in a 2-for-3 performance. Paige Kellogg also contributed a 3-for-3 outing with a double and an RBI.
Minot State opened the scoring with Smith's leadoff home run in the first inning before erupting for four runs in the second to take control. Hyde added a two-run homer in the third inning, and Smith connected again with a solo shot in the fourth as the Beavers cruised to the run-rule victory.
GAME NOTES
» Taylor Smith hit two home runs for the Beavers.
» Minot State recorded three-hit games from three different players.
» Kierra Fournier struck out six Mustangs hitters.
» Smith and Brooke Hyde each recorded multiple extra-base hits.
» The Beavers scored four runs in the second inning, their highest-scoring frame of the game.
» Minot State never trailed after taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
» Four Beavers finished with multiple hits.
» Minot State hit four home runs in the game.
» The Beavers out-hit Southwest Minnesota State 14-6.
» Minot State went 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
» Taylor Smith led the offense, finishing 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, and three RBIs.
GAME 2 | Minot State 7, Southwest Minnesota State 2
MINOT, N.D. – The Beavers completed the sweep in the nightcap, using another balanced offensive attack to secure a 7-2 victory.
Sarah Misner (7-1) picked up the win after allowing two runs over four innings, while Calley Olson tossed three scoreless innings in relief, surrendering no hits and striking out two.
Paige Kellogg led Minot State offensively, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Misner also starred at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI, while Taylor Smith added two hits and an RBI.
The Beavers grabbed control early with two runs in the second inning and never looked back. Misner added a solo home run in the third, and Anna LaCount drove in a run in the fifth before Kellogg's two-run homer in the sixth extended the lead to 7-1.
GAME NOTES
» Sarah Misner recorded three hits for Minot State.
» The Beavers scored two runs in the sixth inning, their highest-scoring frame of the game.
» Minot State never surrendered the lead after going ahead 2-0 in the second inning.
» The Beavers out-hit Southwest Minnesota State 11-5.
» Minot State pitchers held the Mustangs to 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 27 hitters, allowing eight ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out three.
» The Beavers drew four walks in the game.
» Paige Kellogg led the offense, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
