DENVER, Co. -- The No. 1 Augustana Softball team sure enjoys playing in Denver, Colorado at the Regency Athletic Complex. On Saturday, the Vikings knocked off Colorado School of Mines, 5-0, in game one of a doubleheader. Over the last two seasons, the Vikings are 8-1 when playing at the Regency Athletic Complex.

Augustana (7-2) was led by another outstanding effort from Ashley Mickschl. The ace pitched a complete-game shutout, racking up 10 strikeouts and allowing just six hits. The Junior now has 19 total strikeouts in back-to-back complete-game, shutout performances. 

Game One
For the fifth time this season, the Viking ace, Ashley Mickschl got the start in game one. The righty was once again impressive from the circle, using an arsenal of pitches to collect five strikeouts in the first three frames. Through four innings, Mickschl allowed just one hit and zero walks, facing one batter over the minimum 

After a scoreless three innings, Augustana came to life in the fourth. Torri Chute first drew a walk, then Delaney Young connected on a solid single to center. A fielding error at third allowed Chute to sprint home for the game's first run.

Moments later, Christina Pickett followed suite with a RBI single right up the middle, doubling up the Vikings lead and making it 2-0. 

The Viking offense, along with Pickett, were not quite done. With two runners on in the top of the sixth, Pickett hit a single into the gap in left, scoring Kendall Cornick and Chute. Abbie Lund added a groundout to third for the games fifth and final run. 

The five runs were plenty for Mickschl, who allowed just a few hits in the final three frames. The effort was Mickschl's fourth complete-game of the season and third shutout.