Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- No. 18 Minnesota State University (39-10) downed Augustana (32-16) by a score of 3-2 in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Central 2 Regional Tournament despite allowing nine hits and committing three errors.
                                                 
The Mavericks found their way on the scoreboard first as they started a two-out rally with junior catcher Lindsay Erickson getting hit by a pitch, junior second basemen Samantha Holien was walked bringing up junior outfielder Anna Cole who recorded a single, scoring both Erickson and Holien, Cole would advance to third on the play. Junior Kelly Wood would record an RBI single, scoring Cole, giving MSU a 3-0 lead after one complete inning.
 
Augustana found life in the top of the sixth inning as freshman outfielder Carly Peterson recorded the two run dinger scoring herself and freshman designated player Carley Pickett bringing the score to 3-2 in favor of the Mavericks.
 
Senior pitcher Courtney McKelvogue earned her 24^th win of the season, as she went all seven innings giving up two runs (one earned) on nine hits while walking two, and striking out five.
 
The Mavericks were led offensively by Cole, who recorded one run on one hit with two RBI. Collectively MSU recorded four hits and committed three errors in the field.
 
MSU will return to action tomorrow, as they will face the winner between Southeastern Oklahoma State and Winona State. First pitch is slated for 11 a.m.