SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana softball team is back at Bowden Field Sunday and Monday for a pair of NSIC doubleheaders. On Sunday, the Vikings welcome the NSIC-leading Dragons of MSU Moorhead. On Monday, AU hosts Northern State. Each doubleheader is slated to begin at noon.
 
Live stats and live video will be available at GoAugie.com/Live and the GoAugie app. The app is available in the app store and Google Play and is presented by the Original Pancake House. 
 
About the Dragons
MSU Moorhead is in the midst of one of its best seasons in recent memory as it is 23-7 overall and atop the NSIC with an 11-1 mark. Most recently, the Dragons are coming off a sweep of UMary by scores of 8-6 and 10-1.
 
Much of the success for MSU Moorhead can be traced back to its NCAA-leading 2.23 doubles per game. Mack Gallagher and Azalya Lopez lead MSUM with 10 doubles each while Gallagher is the top hitter with a .430 average and nine home runs. Avery Steffen leads the team with a 1.87 ERA while tossing 33.2 innings, all in relief. Evey Evans has the most wins in the circle with a 6-3 record. In all, MSUM has started seven different pitchers in 2023.
 
About the Wolves
Northern State is 10-22 in 2023 while sitting at 4-8 in NSIC action. Most recently, the Wolves have won three of their last four games, sweeping Southwest Minnesota State by scores of 4-2, 2-1, and then splitting with Minot State with a 10-5 win and 5-1 loss
 
Liv Richardson leads NSU in average at .333 while Claire Zbylut leads the team with three home runs and 18 RBI. Lexi Chase is the top pitcher for the Wolves with her 4.73 ERA and 4-9 record.
 
About the Vikings
Augustana is 22-11 on the season and 9-3 in the NSIC. The 9-3 mark puts Augustana in fourth place of the NSIC standings midway through the conference season with the ability to make a major dent playing MSU Moorhead Sunday.
 
Torri Chute leads AU in average at .380 while racking up 15 doubles and 29 RBI. Her 15 doubles rank her 13^th in the nation and first in the NSIC in the category. Kennedy Buckman adds the power to the Vikings' lineup with her NSIC-best 11 home runs.
 
Hailey Houston has continued her torrid stretch in the circle with her 12-2 record and 2.18 ERA. She leads AU with 86.2 innings pitched while striking out 67 batters.  
 
Sunday's Efforts
The Teddy Bear Den is an incentive and education-based system for the economically disadvantaged pregnant women here in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Over the last 26 years, the Den has changed the lives of more than 33,000 women. Coach Gretta Melsted and family will be matching donations to the Teddy Bear Den that are raised during Sunday's Softball game. Donations can be made HERE or in person at the game.
 
Monday's Efforts
Augustana's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is hosting a supply drive for the Children's Home Society of Sioux Falls during Saturday's softball games. It is asking for donations of nonperishable food items, craft supplies, children's clothing, unused men's and women's socks, and more. With this initiative, SAAC looks to serve the local community while educating our campus on healthy relationships in accordance with the One Love organization. One Love has educated young people on relationship health for the past 13 years after University of Virginia Lacrosse player Yeardley Love's life was cut short by her ex-boyfriend.