SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana softball exploded offensively in game one before grinding out a tight win in game two, sweeping Minot State on Friday at Bowden Field.

Augustana 15, Minot State 0 (5 inn.)
The Viking bats wasted no time setting the tone, plating two runs in the first before erupting for four in the second and five more in the third to take complete control.

Andrea Cain led the charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, driving in three runs and scoring four times. Susie Tollefson went 3-for-4 with four RBI, including a two-run homer in the opening inning, while Desi Cuevas added a home run and two RBI.

Augustana continued to pile on in the third inning as Teya Speltz launched a two-run home run to highlight a five-run frame. The Vikings tacked on four more in the fourth, capped by Cuevas' two-run blast to center.

In the circle, Speltz was dominant, tossing four shutout innings while allowing just three hits and striking out four to earn the win.

Augustana 3, Minot State 2
Game two proved to be a much tighter battle, with the Vikings using a three-run fourth inning to secure the sweep.

After Minot State struck first in the third inning, Augustana answered in the bottom of the fourth. Kierra Lubovich led off with a single before Sidney Smart followed with a hit and stole second to put two runners in scoring position.

Stella Harber delivered the tying RBI with a single through the left side before Norah Christiansen brought home the go-ahead run on a groundout. Ella Cooper then stretched the lead to 3-1 with an RBI triple to right.

Minot State cut the deficit to one on a solo home run in the sixth, but the Viking pitching staff held firm down the stretch. Helene Krage earned the win after five solid innings, and Jaelyn Garcia closed the door with two scoreless frames to pick up the save.

Up Next
Augustana closes out the home portion of its schedule on Saturday afternoon as it faces UMary at 12/2 p.m. The Vikings will also be celebrating their seniors between games.