Photo credit: photos.paap.net

MANKATO, Minn. --- The #9 Minnesota State softball team travels to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Tournament this week in Sioux Falls, S.D. 

Mavericks at a Glance: Minnesota State, 50-6 (28-2 NSIC), enters the week on a 20 game win streak. Most recently, the Mavericks swept Minot State, 10-0, and 11-5. 

Clinching: Minnesota State clinched its second straight NSIC regular season title in the 11-5 come from behind win at Minot State. The Mavericks entered the final inning trailing, 5-3, before using an eight run seventh inning to down the Beavers. This is the fifth time Minnesota State has won the NSIC regular season title. 

In the NSIC Tournament: Since joining the NSIC in 2009, Minnesota State has a 20-12 overall record. The last time the Mavericks won the tournament was in 2013 when they defeated Minot State, 2-1. Last season, MSU fell to Upper Iowa, 3-2, in the championship game. 

The Scenario: The Mavericks enter  the tournament as the No. 1 seed. MSU will have a first round bye before they play Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Minnesota State will face the lowest seed that wins its opening game on day one between No. 9 Minot State, No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State, and No. 10 Northern State. 

Earlier this season, the Mavericks downed both Southwest Minnesota State (8-0, 2-0) and Minot State (10-0, 11-5) on the road. The Mavericks topped Northern State, 4-0, and, 7-1, at home. 

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. 9 after being ranked No. 10 previously. 

One of Three: Minnesota State is one of three teams in NCAA Division II to reach the 50 win plateau. Angelo State (51-4) is ranked No. 1 in this weeks NFCA Coaches Poll while Harding (50-6) is slotted No. 2. The last time the Mavericks won 50 games was in 2011 when they advanced to the NCAA Championships.

In the Circle: The Mavericks have two pitchers who have reached double-digit wins this season; senior Coley Ries (27-2) and junior Libby Bemis (23-4). Ries leads the NSIC in batters struck out (334), batters struck out looking  (97),and wins (27). Bemis is slotted third in the NSIC in batters struck out looking (49), and fourth in batters struck out (151).

Setting the Pace: Minnesota State leads the NSIC in batting average (.348) , hits (526), runs (370), RBI (318), and stolen bases (123). 

Swinging a Hot Bat: Two Mavericks are batting above .400 this season, junior Jess Meidl (.460) and sophomore McKenzie Paap(.417) 

Getting Runs Across: Freshman Amber Kral ranks first in the NSIC with 56 RBI. Senior Ashley Thell is slotted second with 55 RBI. 

Don't Get Caught: Sophomore McKenzie Paap has stolen a NSIC leading 40 bases this season.