SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Following a 25-game non-conference slate on the road, the No. 17 Augustana softball team is ready to come home. On Wednesday, the Vikings welcome in Wayne State for both their home and Northern Sun Conference opener. Game one is set for 3 p.m. at Bowden field and game two is set to start at 5 p.m. 

Augustana is coming off another strong road trip, most recently in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Vikings picked up a win over No. 2 Central Oklahoma, which marked their second top-10 win this season (Feb. 4 vs. No. 9 Texas A&M Commerce). In the five-game Missouri road trip, Augustana outscored their opponents 22-10.

Nearly halfway through the season, the Vikings continue to lead the NSIC in a number of categories. The Vikings pitching staff is first in the league with 150 strikeouts and 10 shutouts.  The 10 shutouts are tied for 4th in all of NCAA DII.

The Vikings team batting average of .323 is second in the NSIC, but they lead the conference with 42 doubles in just 25 games. Augustana has 147 RBI (second) and 50 stolen bases (second) as well. Defensively, the Vikings .964 fielding percentage is second in the NSIC.

Individually, the Vikings are getting contributions up and down their lineup. Starting in the circle, all three of the Viking pitchers have shown how dangerous they can be. Olivia Wolters, who was named the NSIC Pitcher of the Week two weeks ago, leads the team with a 1.41 ERA. She had 42 strikeouts in 44.2 innings and sits with an unblemished record at 5-0.

Ashley Mickschl leads the NSIC with nine wins this season (9-3 overall) along with three shutouts. The Sophomore is third in the league with 66 strikeouts and has held opponents to just a .190 average this season. Amber Elliott also continues to contribute when her number is called. Elliot has a 1.92 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 43.2 innings. 

Maggie Kadrlik leads the team with a .392 average while playing and starting in all 25 games. The Senior has a team-high 26 RBI this season and a stout .676 slugging percentage. Fellow senior Shannon Petersen is second on the team with 24 RBI and four home runs while hitting .348 this season. Maggie Dunnett has a team-high five home runs this season. 

Saturday also marks the start of a six-game homestand for the Vikings. Augustana will continue action on Saturday by welcoming in Minnesota Duluth and close the weekend with a two-game set vs. St. Cloud State. Both doubleheaders start at noon at Bowden Field.

Starting this season, admission is now charged for all home softball and baseball games. Ticket prices are only $5 for adults and $2 for youth. For doubleheaders or days with games at both Bowden and Ronken Field, only one ticket must be purchased.

Scouting Wayne State
The Wildcats will also be opening NSIC action on Wednesday, and come into the doubleheader with a 9-8 record. Wayne State, who has already had six games canceled this season, is just 1-4 on the road in 2019.

WSU is led offensively by Abbie Hix, who is hitting .414 in 11 games this season. Hix has two of the three Wildcats home runs this year and also leads the team with 14 RBI. From the circle, Makenna Adkison is the Wayne State ace. Adkison has appeared in 13 games and sports a 6-4 record. In 50.2 innings pitched, the freshman has 2.21 ERA, 30 strikeouts and 22 walks.