SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana University softball (14-10, 1-1 NSIC) returns to NSIC action this Thursday and Friday heading to North Dakota for a pair of conference doubleheaders. The Vikings are set to take on Minot State (11-7, 0-0 NSIC) at 12 p.m. on Thursday in Minot before traveling to Bismarck to square-off against U-Mary (6-13, 0-0 NSIC) at 12 p.m. on Friday.
 
Augustana will have a quick turnaround after opening conference play on Tuesday in Wayne, Neb. The Vikings split their NSIC-opening series with the Wildcats, winning the opener 9-3 before falling 9-8 in the nightcap.
 
Augustana enters the weekend having won six of its last eight games, with six more road games on tap starting with the upcoming games in North Dakota. The Vikings are batting .325 as a team and currently lead the NSIC with 45 doubles on the season.
 
Augustana is averaging 5.7 runs per game while allowing just 3.5 runs per contest. Senior outfielder Carly Peterson is batting .370 on the season for Augustana out of the leadoff spot. Peterson currently leads the NSIC with 12 doubles to go along with one triple and three home runs.
 
Senior left-handed pitcher Carley Pickett is having a great season at the dish for the Vikings batting .372 with five doubles and nine RBI. Sarah Kennedy had four doubles in Tuesday's doubleheader at Wayne State and is currently batting .368 with nine doubles, two home runs and 22 RBI.
 
Maggie Kadrlik blasted two home runs in the series at Wayne State to give her a team-leading five on the season. Kadrlik currently leads the NSIC with 24 RBIs on the year.
 
Following Augustana's trip to North Dakota, Augustana will travel to Fayette, Iowa on Tuesday, March 29 for a doubleheader at 2 p.m. The Vikings' home opener is set for Saturday, April 2, against MSU Moorhead.