Marshall, Minn. --- Minnesota State continued conference play with wins, 5-2 and 1-0, against Southwest Minnesota State State Tuesday afternoon in Marshall, Minn.

With the results, the Mavericks move to 22-14 on the season and 7-7 in conference play while the Mustangs move to 11-15, 6-8 in the NSIC 

Game 1

Mackenzie Ward (11-9) started the game and earned the win pitching the complete seven innings allowing only two runs on six hits while striking out eight batters.  Megan Cull (4-6) started for the Mustangs and collected the loss after allowing five runs on 13 hits.

In the bottom of the first, the Mustangs plated a pair of runs to take the early 2-0 lead.  The Mavericks got a run back in the top of the third when Torey Richards hit Cori Kennedy home, narrowing the Mustang lead to 2-1.

The sixth inning proved to be the decider as Carly Esselman singled up the center to score Kennedy, tying the game, before Hannah Hastings batted in Carly Esselman with a sac fly.  Amber Kral then tripled down the right field line to score Kayla Moky before Emma Schifferle drilled a double to center, scoring Kral and giving the Mavericks the decisive 5-2 lead. 

Kral finished the game 3-4 at the plate with an RBI and run scored, while McKenzie Paap and Esselman went 2-4 from the plate and Minnesota State as a team recorded 13 hits.    

Game 2
Lexi Schoper (5-3) started the game for Minnesota State and held the Mustangs to zero runs on three hits while striking out five batters to earn the complete game win.  Athena Golling (7-7) pitched the complete game for Southwest Minnesota State allowing one run on four hits, striking out six. 

Defense held both teams in check throughout the second game. In the top of the seventh inning Kennedy made contact with a pitch, sending it over the left field wall for a solo homer which would be the deciding run of the game. 

Minnesota State will travel to Duluth, Minn., and St. Cloud, Minn., Saturday and Sunday for doubleheaders with the Bulldogs and Huskies.