SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Following two weeks away from the diamond, No. 1 Augustana softball (8-2) is set to return to action this weekend. The Vikings travel to Orlando, Florida to play in the 2020 Spring Games, squaring up with 10 opponents over the course of five days. The Spring Games are known as the largest college softball event in the world, featuring more than 2,300 games and 30,000 student-athletes. 

The Vikings Spring Games slate starts on Saturday, March, 7, taking on Adelphi at 9 a.m. Augustana concludes day one with an 11 a.m. first-pitch with Saginaw Valley State. The Hawks of Saginaw Valley are off to an 8-2 start this season.

On Sunday, The Vikings take on West Chester for a 10 a.m. start. A year ago, the Golden Rams won 40 games on the way to an appearance in the Softball National Championship tournament. Augustana also takes on Malone University on Sunday and continues action on Monday against Concord (2:45) and Wayne State (MI) at 5 p.m. 

Tuesday starts with a 2:30 first-pitch against Truman State and concludes with a 4:45 p.m. start against Lake Erie. The Bulldogs of Truman are a 2019 NCAA Tournament qualifier, winning 32 games overall. 

Augustana finishes the Spring Games with a pair of games on Wednesday, first taking on Fairmont State at 10 a.m. and then meeting Assumption College for a 12:30 start. The Greyhounds of Assumption will be starting their 2020 season during the Spring Games. All of Augustana games will be played at the DiamondPlex Softball Complex in Winter Haven, Florida.

In the most recent National Fastpitch Coaches Association/NCAA poll, the Vikings racked up seven first-place votes and 387 total points to earn the nation's No. 1 ranking. 

The No. 2 Vikings have jumped out to an 8-2 start thanks in part to great pitching and timely hitting. Two-time NSIC Pitcher of the Week Ashley Mickschl is 5-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Mickschl is currently riding an 18-inning shutout streak and back-to-back shutouts. Amber Elliott is 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA in for appearances this season.

From the dish, Junior Abbie Lund is off to a strong start, hitting .529 with six RBI through 10 games. Christina Pickett leads the team with nine RBI and a .704 slugging percentage. Freshman Torri Chute is adjusting to the college game well, connecting a team-high four doubles in just 25 at-bats. Sophomore Mary Pardo is hitting .316 with seven RBI and one home run this season. 

A year ago, Augustana finished the Spring Games with a 11-1 record, outscoring their opponents 110-17 and collecting five shutouts.
 
About the Spring Games
With over 2,300 games and more than 500 college softball teams participating, the Spring Games is undoubtedly the largest college softball event in the World. Over the last thirteen years, we have worked hard to maximize the volume of the Games in such a way that they provide the best possible early-season training for the teams, coaches, and fans. At THE Spring Games, we firmly believe that "together we are better" and we apply that principal to all we do.