SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Following a one month break from the diamond, the No. 22 Augustana softball team returns to action this weekend for a 12-game, six-day road trip to Orlando, Florida. Augustana enters the weekend with a 5-3 (0-0 NSIC) record. 

All games will be played in Kissimmee and Clermont, Florida, which are suburbs of Orlando. All times are listed in central time zone. Fans can follow live stats by visiting the schedule page for Augustana softball on GoAugie.com or clicking here.  

The Vikings will take on opponents from all around the country, starting Gannon University (PA) on Friday, March 8 at 2:45 p.m. The Vikings close out Friday with a 5 p.m. start with Fairmont State University (WV). Augustana opens play on Saturday versus Northwoods (MI) at 3 p.m., before taking on the University of Texas-Tyler at 5 p.m.

The Vikings return to the Diamond for an 8:30 a.m. start on Sunday vs. Urbana, and finish out Sunday with a 10:45 start vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Augustana opens up Monday with a 10:15 first-pitch versus Jefferson University (PA), and continues play vs. Merrimack (MA) at 12:30 p.m.

Augustana's final four opponents feature Lock Haven (PA) at 8:15 a.m. and Caldwell (NJ) at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Taking the field on Weds. March 13, the Vikings take on Nyack (NY) at 10:30 a.m., and Millersville (PA) at 12:45 p.m.  The 12-game trip marks the longest road trip of the year for the Vikings. 

The Vikings enter their spring games after going 5-3 at the Arkansas Tech Invite, including a win over then No. 9 Texas A&M–Commerce. In the win over Commerce, Ashley Mickschl pitched a complete-game five-hitter, allowing one run and striking out five. She helped her own cause with a two-run triple in the 5th inning.

As the team, the Vikings staff has a 1.60 ERA in 57 innings pitched, which ranks second in the NSIC. Augustana has racked up 49 strikeouts and opponents are hitting just .234 versus the Vikings. Individually, Olivia Wolters has a team-best 1.31 ERA in 16 innings pitched. 

Overall, the Vikings are hitting .254 as a team with five home runs and 31 RBI. Individually, Christina Pickett has started the year strong, batting  .400 with six hits in 15 at-bats. Both Mickschl and Shannon Peterson have collected six RBI, and five student-athletes have hit a home run this season. 

Following their time in Florida and the Missouri Western Open, the Viking open up the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday, Mar. 27 at 3 p.m. vs. Wayne State at Bowden Field.