SIOUX FALLS, S.D -- Riding an eight-game win streak and five consecutive shutouts, the No. 17 Augustana softball team returns to the diamond this weekend for four games at the Hy-Vee classic in St. Joseph, Missouri. Originally scheduled for six games, the Vikings (16-4, 0-0 NSIC) will now play just four at the Griffon Softball Field on the campus of Missouri Western State University. 

Augustana is coming off a dominating 11-1 road trip to Florida where they outscored their opponents 110-17. The Vikings hit 121-for-329 (.368) during the spring break trip and clubbed 11 home runs. 

The Vikings were nearly untouchable from the mound. Ashley Mickschl tossed a no-hitter vs. Millersville (Pa.), and in Olivia Wolters last three outings, she tossed two complete-game shutouts and held the opposition to just 5-of-42 (.119) from the plate. For her performances last week, Wolters was named the NSIC Pitcher of the Week.

Augustana starts play on Friday morning with arguably their toughest test of the season, taking on No. 2 Central Oklahoma at 10 a.m. The Bronchos, spelled purposely with an 'h', are riding a 20-game win streak, ranked first in the MIAA, and have outscored their last four opponents, 33-4.

The Vikings continue action on Saturday at 12 p.m. vs. Missouri Western, who is 12-11 on the year. Augustana plays just one game Saturday (Northwest Missouri State, 6 p.m.), and one game on Sunday (Missouri Southern, 1 p.m.). Live video and stats will be available for all games by clicking here. 

Augustana enters the weekend among the NSIC leaders in a number of categories, including leading the league in strikeouts (121) and shutouts (9). The Vikings are also second in opponent average (.188) and third in ERA (1.59). The nine shutouts are seventh best in the nation.

Offensively, the Vikings are getting it done up and down their lineup. Augustana is second in the NSIC in batting average (.332), slugging percentage (.516), and RBI (128). The Vikings slugging percentage is 21st in the nation.

Individually, four student-athletes are hitting above .375 this season, and five players have collected 10 or more RBI. From the circle, all three pitchers have a sub 1.85 ERA, have won at least four games and racked up 35 or more strikeouts. 

About the Hy-Vee Classic

One of the premier NCAA Division II Softball crossovers returns to St. Joseph, Missouri, March 21-24 as Missouri Western hosts the 2019 Hy-Vee Classic. The event features eight softball teams from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Games will be played at the Griffon Softball Field on the campus of Missouri Western State University. Admission to the Hy-Vee Classic is $5 per day. Children 6 and under are free. For the full schedule of games, click here.