SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With just two weeks left in the regular season, the No. 11 Augustana Softball team (32-7, 12-2 NSIC) is ready to finish strong. This weekend, the Vikings continue their eight-game homestand with a pair of doubleheaders. Starting on Saturday at noon, Augustana welcomes in the University of Mary, and then closes the weekend Sunday at noon with a pair against Minot State at Bowden Field. Sunday will also serve as Senior day for four Viking senior student-athletes, Maggie Kadrlik, Maggie Dunnett, Samantha Eisenreich, and Shannon Petersen.

With inclement weather on the way to the Sioux Empire, the schedule for this weekend remains fluid. Fans are encouraged to stay up to date with any schedule changes by following Augustana softball on twitter and facebook.

One of the most balanced teams in the Northern Sun Conference, the Vikings remain among the league best in pitching, hitting and fielding. Starting with the bats, Augustana leads the NSIC in home runs (39), RBI (244) and slugging percentage (.534). The Viking softball single-season program record for slugging percentage is .535 (2015).

Individually, Maggie Dunnett leads the league with nine home runs, and the Vikings are the only team in the league that has two student-athletes (Shannon Petersen, Maggie Kadrlik) who have 33 RBI or more. 

The Viking pitching staff is not only making waves in the conference, but they're also one of the best in the nation. All three pitchers have an ERA below 2.01, and the team ERA of 1.40 ranks sixth in the nation. Viking opponents are hitting just .194 this season, which is second in the NSIC and ninth all-time for a single-season at Augustana. Teams average just 4.4 hits per game.

Individually, The Vikings Olivia Wolters (1.48) and Ashley Mickschl (1.83) stand second and third in the conference in ERA, respectively. Wolters has allowed just 41 hits and 16 runs this season, which both lead the NSIC.

One the keys this season for Augustana is getting out to an early lead and establishing their offense. The Vikings are 12-1 when they score first this season, and 25-1 when leading after four innings. When the pitching staff is on, count on the offense to contribute. Augustana is 27-0 when allowing two runs or less this season.

With another 30-win season in the book, Augustana has already locked in their 11th straight winning season. The Vikings have 16 games remaining in the regular season before the NSIC tournament starts. 

Scouting U-Mary:

The University of Mary enters this weekend with a 15-9 (6-8) record. Saturday's doubleheader marks the start of a six-game road trip for the Marauders. U-Mary is led by Kasidy Chileen who is hitting .386 with 24 RBI. From the circle, Brieann Backes leads the team with 10 wins and 72 strikeouts this season. Although Augustana dropped a game to U-Mary last year, all-time the Vikings hold a 19-4 series advantage.

Scouting Minot State:

The Beavers of Minot State come into series this weekend with a 19-12 (8-6 record) and fresh off a sweep of Bemidji State last week. Minot State is just 1-3 on the road this season. The Beavers stand fourth in the NSIC with a .317 batting average and are led by Karlee Coughlin 37 RBI and 11 doubles this year. Look for the Beavers to throw Laura Mendez (8-7, 3.47 ERA) into the circle for one game this weekend. Augustana and Minot have only played 10 times, and the Vikings hold an 8-2 advantage all-time in the series.