Photo Credit: photos.paap.net

MANKATO, Minn. --- The #11 Minnesota State softball team travels to Upper Iowa on Tuesday for a 2:00 p.m., doubleheader. The Mavericks then continue their road trip at U-Mary on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. MSU will then wrap up regular season play on Sunday at Minot State. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m.

Mavericks at a Glance: Minnesota State, 44-6 (22-2 NSIC), enters the week on a 14 game win streak. Most recently, the Mavericks swept MSU Moorhead, 7-0, and, 7-3. 

In the Polls: Minnesota State remained in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Poll for the fourth consecutive week. The Mavericks move up to No. 11 after being slotted No. 14 previously. 

Have a Weekend: Senior pitcher Coley Ries earned her 100th career win tossing a perfect game with 15 strikeouts in the 4-0 win over Northern State. Ries then threw her second consecutive perfect game the following day downing MSU Moorhead, 7-0, on senior day with 18 strikeouts. Additionally, she has thrown a career-best 46.1 scoreless innings. 

In the Circle: The Mavericks have two pitchers who have reached double-digit wins this season; senior Coley Ries (23-2) and junior Libby Bemis (21-4). Ries leads the NSIC in batters struck out (289), batters struck out looking  (85),and wins (23). Bemis is slotted third in the NSIC in batters struck out looking (46), and fourth in batters struck out (137).

Swinging a Hot Bat: Minnesota State is ranked second in the NSIC in batting average with .344. Two Mavericks are batting above .400 this season, junior Jess Meidl (.441) and sophomore McKenzie Paap (.414) 

Getting Runs Across: Senior Ashley Thell ranks first in the NSIC with 52 RBI this season. Freshman Amber Kral is slotted second with 50 RBI.  

Don't Get Caught: Sophomore McKenzie Paap has stolen a NSIC leading 38 bases this season. 

Scouting  Upper Iowa: Upper Iowa is located in Fayette, Iowa and has an overall record of 17-29 and 9-14 NSIC. The Peacocks enter the week on a two game losing skid and most recently dropped a 6-2 decision to U-Mary. Upper Iowa is led by head coach Amanda Bradberry who is in her fifth season. 

The last time these two program met was last season when the Peacocks bounced the Mavericks in the NCAA Regional, 2-0. However, Minnesota State leads the all-time series, 19-5. 

Redshirt junior Sammy Garrett has a team-best .358 batting average with 54 hits and 30 RBI. Freshman Emily Kisch has struck out 46 batters with a 4.13 ERA. 

Scouting U-Mary: Mary is located in Bismarck, N.D., and has an overall record of 18-31 and 12-12 NSIC. Most recently, the Marauders swept Upper Iowa, 5-4, and, 6-4. U-Mary is led by head coach Kerry Shaw who is in his first season. 

The last time these two teams met was last season when the Mavericks swept the Marauders, 8-0, and, 11-1. Minnesota State leads the all-time series, 9-7. 

Freshman Keller Rebekkah has a .357 batting average to go along with 56 hits, 31 runs, and 12 RBI. Sophomore Brieann Backles has a team-best .382 ERA with 62 strikeouts to round out the Marauders top performers.  

Scouting Minot State: Minot State is located in Minot, N.D., and has an overall record of 20-17 and 12-12 NSIC. Most recently, the Beavers fell to Winona State, 3-0, and, 8-0. Minot State is led by head coach Bill Triplett who is in his 10th season. 

The last time these two schools met was last season when the Mavericks swept the Beavers, 7-3, and, 8-0. Minnesota State leads the all-time series, 9-0

Senior Jordan Grant has a .517 batting average including 60 hits, 37 runs, and four RBI. In the circle, senior Clarissa Ramirez has a team-best 3.75 ERA with 36 strikeouts. 

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will travel to the NSIC Tournament in Sioux Falls on May 4-6.