SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana softball team returns to its homefield on Saturday and Sunday for a pair of NSIC doubleheaders. On Saturday, the top-ranked Vikings host MSU Moorhead beginning at noon. On Sunday, Northern State is in town to face Augustana with a noon first pitch.
 
The contests are the first four of an eight-game homestand to conclude the Vikings' home slate in 2021.
 
About the Vikings
Augustana is the No. 1 team in the NFCA Top-25 poll and holds a 28-4 record while sitting in first place in the NSIC with a 16-2 mark. Most recently, the Vikings are looking to recover from a split with USF on Thursday.
 
Kendall Cornick, who did not play in the series with USF, leads the team and the NSIC with her .484 batting average while recording a league-best 13 doubles. Her 45 hits are also tops in the conference. Mary Pardo leads the NSIC with 13 home runs and slugging percentage at .778.
 
Augustana, one of the most explosive offensive teams in the nation, has two players ranking in the top three for RBI with Torri Chute totaling 35 and Pardo 33.
 
In the circle, Ashley Mickschl holds a 2.1 ERA while pitching 103.1 innings and holding a 13-2 record. Amber Elliott is 15-2 overall with a 2.25 ERA while tossing 96.1 innings and striking out 90.
 
About the Dragons
MSU Moorhead holds a 7-24 overall record while recording a 5-14 mark in NSIC action. The Dragons have dropped four-straight contests, most recently getting swept at UMary this past Wednesday.
 
Emma Dummer is the only batter in the MSUM lineup that holds an average above .300 and she is at .337 with 29 hits and a team-best 13 RBI. The Dragons have hit just one home run all season and that came off the bat of Ally Helgoe.
 
In the circle, Reece Dahl has pitched the most innings at 91 and has completed two shutouts. She also owns four wins, a team best.
 
About the Wolves
Northern State enters the weekend at 21-11 and 12-6. The 12-6 mark sits fifth in the NSIC. Most recently the Wolves split with Minot State, falling 6-3 in game one and winning 1-0 in game two this past Wednesday.
 
Makenzie Merritt is hitting .355 through the 32 games while tallying a team-best 32 RBI and seven home runs. She has also added eight doubles to her resume as part of her 33 hits. Her .688 slugging percentage puts her among the NSIC's best hitters.
 
In the circle, the Wolves have started two pitchers all season with Elyse Cuttic throwing to a 2.94 ERA with an 11-4 record. Meghan Anderson has struck out 138 batters, a mark that ranks second in the NSIC, while recording 10 wins with a 3.21 ERA.