Photo credit: photos.paap.net

CLERMONT, Fla. --- The No. 9 Minnesota State softball team cruised past No. 13 Southern Indiana, 5-1, and Saint Rose, 12-2, Wednesday afternoon at the NTC Spring Games.

In game one, Minnesota State (15-2) fought to a 5-1 decision over No. 13 Southern Indiana (10-6), 5-1. Freshman Mackenzie Ward (6-1) earned the win for the Mavericks with two strikeouts in 5.0 innings of action. Sophomore Caitlin Stone picked up her first save of the season with two strikeouts in 2.0 innings. Sophomore Jennifer Leonhardt (4-4) takes the loss for the Screaming Eagles with three strikeouts in 3.2 innings of work.

After a scoreless opening frame, sophomore Amber Kral notched the first run of the contest to put Minnesota State out in front, 1-0. The Mavericks then pushed their lead up to 4-0 after a three-run fourth inning. The frame was highlighted by a two RBI single to left field by freshman Torey Richards. Southern Indiana attempted to make a late comeback adding a score in the sixth fame, but the Minnesota State defense held strong to preserve the 5-1 win.

Richards led the Mavericks with a game-high three hits and two RBI. Paap also chipped in two RBI, one hit and one run. Minnesota State held the edge in hits, 7-5.

In game two, Minnesota State muscled past Saint Rose (2-7), 12-2, in five innings. Stone (4-1) earned the win for the Mavericks with two strikeouts in 4.0 innings. Sophomore Bria Majeski finished the game with one strikeout over one inning of work. Freshman Thalia Santiago (0-4) picks up the loss for the Golden Knights tossing three strikeouts.

Minnesota State started fast jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning with runs from senior Jessica Meidl and sophomore Carly Esselman. The Mavericks then pushed their lead up to 6-0 in the second frame following a three RBI double from Esselman. Saint Rose battled back in the bottom half cutting the deficit down to four, 6-2, after two innings.

Minnesota State pushed back with a three-run third stanza highlighted by a two RBI single from Esselman to make the score 9-2. The Mavericks then put the game out reach, 12-2, with a three-run fourth frame. Kral got in the inning started with her team-leading third home run of the season. Freshman Julia Bastian and sophomore Kennedy Rieck each added scores to seal the Mavericks fourth straight win.

Esselman paced Minnesota State with a game-best five RBI and three hits which included a single, double, and triple. Paap also contributed three hits and two RBI. The Mavericks held the advantage in hits, 13-5.

Minnesota State returns to action tomorrow at the NTC Spring Games against Wilmington at 3:30 before taking on Seton Hill at 6:00 p.m. (CST)