SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With their longest homestand of the season in the books, the No. 17 Augustana softball team (38-7, 18-2) now hits the road for a pair of NSIC doubleheaders. The Vikings start the week by taking on Northern State on Friday at 12 p.m. and close the weekend with a 12 p.m. first pitch on Saturday at MSU Moorhead.

On Wednesday, the first edition of the NCAA Division II softball regional rankings was released and the Vikings checked in second in the central region. The top eight teams in the final region rankings will make the regional tournament, and the top two programs will host. The NCAA softball selection show will air on Monday, May 6 at 9 a.m.

On the field, Augustana continues to have tremendous balance up and down their lineup. The Viking offense is one of the best in the conference and country and has the number to show for it. The team batting average of .347 leads the NSIC and stands seventh in the nation for DII. The Vikings also lead the NSIC in nearly every other offensive category, standing first in doubles (86), triples (18) home runs (48), RBI (299), slugging percentage (.560) and runs scored (326). The Vikings 7.21 runs per games is 11th in the nation.

Individually, the Vikings Maggie Dunnett leads the NSIC with 10 home runs. Shannon Peterson is second with nine and third in the NSIC with 45 RBI. Maggie Kadrlik, who had a single-game record six RBI in a win over Sioux Falls, is fifth in the league with 41 RBI. Kara McDougall is hitting a cool .500 on the year, and Kendall Cornick (48) and Mary Pardo (43) are first and second in the league in runs scored, respectively.

From the circle, the Vikings have a 1.81 team ERA, which is second in the league and 16th in the nation. The Vikings have 280 strikeouts, which is nearly seven per game. All three Viking pitched have shined throughout the season. Olivia Wolters is second in the league in ERA, second in opposing batting average, and leads the league with seven saves. Ashley Mickschl leads the league with 18 wins on the season and is fourth with a 1.91 ERA. Amber Elliott, who recently hit 100 strikeouts on the season, has a 1.97 ERA and 13 wins this season.

One the keys this season for Augustana is getting out to an early lead and establishing their offense. The Vikings are 30-1 when they score first this season, and 31-1 when leading after four innings. When the pitching staff is on, count on the offense to contribute. Augustana is 31-0 when allowing two runs or less this season. With a pair of wins last week, Augustana also secured their sixth straight season with 35 or more wins.

Scouting Northern State:

The Wolves of Northern State come into the weekend with a 17-25 (9-11 NSIC) record. Friday marks the middle of a 14-game homestand as well as senior day for the Wolves. Northern State is led by Kennady Thompson, who is hitting .395 with nine home runs and 29 RBI. From the circle, Makenzie Merritt has a 3.96 ERA and a 7-3 record.

The Vikings and the Wolves have played 34 times over the last 23 years, with Augustana holding a 29-5 record. The two programs split a pair in the regular season last year.

Scouting MSU Moorhead:
MSU Moorhead is off to just a 12-25 (6-14 NSIC) start this season, including just 1-5 at home. The Dragons are led by Emma Dummer, who is hitting .311 with a team-high six home runs and 23 RBI. The Dragon pitching staff is led by Becky Berth, who is 9-15 on the season with a 3.25 ERA. The Vikings are 28-2 all-time vs. the Dragons and are currently on a 22-game win streak.