Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State softball team swept the Warriors of Winona State in two close battles, Wednesday afternoon, 2-1, 4-1. 

Winona State opened the first game with a run in the top of the first as designated player Kayla Lewis doubled down the leftfield line, scoring centerfielder Mollie Bjelland.

The Mavericks answered in the bottom of the first as senior second baseman Abby Morris and freshman centerfielder Lauryn Morris drew back-to-back walks to start the frame.

Both would move up a base on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of junior first baseman Natalie Spicer before Abby Morris came across to score on a groundout off the bat of junior third baseman Julie O'Neal, knotting the game at one.

Sophomore pitcher Kendra Huettl would close-out 12 batters before the Warriors would get a hit in the top of the fifth singled to center field.

The Mavericks took the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Morris advanced to third off a walk and stolen base followed by a fly out to centerfield by Spicer bringing Abby Morris in for the winning run.

Huettl went the distance to earn the opening win, allowing one run on four hits while striking out eight en route to her seventh win of the season.

The Warriors opened the second game in the top of the first scoring one run as Annie Stuedemann hit a triple to right center bringing in third baseman Kathy Crudo.

Minnesota State held the Warriors to one and answered back in the bottom of the third with two runs, two hits. Spicer drilled her second home run of the year to left center, bringing in L. Morris.

In the top of sixth the Warriors threatened the Maverick lead as Crudo-first up to bat-doubled to right field. Next batter grounded out to second base as Crudo would advance to third. The Warriors fouled out two more batters, leaving one left on base.

Sealing the deal in the bottom of the sixth sophomore Chelsea Erickson doubled to left center as senior Libbie Reichling drilled a home run to bring in two runs for the Mavericks.

Freshman pitcher Courtney McKelvogue grabbed the second game for the Mavericks and the sweep over the Warriors. McKelvogue allowed one run on five hits, striking out four, she improves her record to 7-2.

The Mavericks (14-4) host Southwest Minnesota State Friday at 1 p.m. in the opening game of the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule.