MANKATO, Minn. – The Mavericks (3-1) head on the road for the first time this season as they travel to Topeka, Kan., to compete in six games at the Washburn Invite.

About the Mavericks
Minnesota State sits at 3-1 through the first two weekends of play after splitting a home doubleheader with Southwest Minnesota State inside the Maverick All-Sport Dome, dropping game one 9-4 before rallying for an 8-7 extra-inning victory in game two.

Maddie Helin led the Mavericks offensively in the series, batting .467 with five hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored across the doubleheader. She produced three extra-base hits and reached base consistently, while also posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with four putouts and no errors in the win.

Senior Gianna Lara has been one of MSU's most consistent hitters early, holding the second-highest batting average on the team (.500) through four games. Against Southwest Minnesota State, the senior went a combined 5-for-9 (.556) with three RBIs, two doubles, and one run scored. After recording one hit in game one, Lara delivered a breakout performance in game two, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, including the walk-off RBI double in the ninth inning.

In the circle, freshman Jorey Fry delivered a resilient complete-game outing in game two of the doubleheader, pitching all nine innings in the 8-7 win. Fry allowed seven hits and seven runs (six earned) while walking seven and striking out one across 49 batters faced and 140 pitches. Despite early pressure, she settled in and limited the Mustangs offensively down the stretch, holding them scoreless over the final innings to secure the extra-inning victory.


Friday, Feb. 20
Game 1 vs. Emporia State at 12:00 p.m. 
Emporia State enters the week at 6-4 under interim head coach Megan Hill, who was elevated to the role in December 2025 after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant, and is coming off a 2-3 showing at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, where the Hornets earned wins over William Jewell and Truman State.

Game 2 vs. Central Missouri at 2:00 p.m.
Jennies softball is off to a 6-2 overall start this season, splitting their weekend at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, earning wins against Drury (4-2) and Maryville (7-3). Central Missouri is coached by Susan Anderson, who is currently in her 20th season at the helm. 


Saturday, Feb. 21
Game 1 vs. Central Oklahoma at 12:00 p.m.
Central Oklahoma enters its fourth week of competition with an 11-4 record, coming off a 3-2 performance at the Cherokee Nation Festival last week under head coach Sam Maples.

Game 2 vs. Washburn at 2:00 p.m.
Off to a 13-2 start this season, Washburn, led by 10th-year head coach Brenda Holaday, is coming off an undefeated weeken, where the Ichabods picked up five straight wins with victories over No. 24 Oklahoma Baptist (2-0), East Central (8-0 in six innings), Harding (7-3), Southwestern Oklahoma State (3-1), and Southeastern Oklahoma State (6-0).


Sunday, Feb. 22
Game 1 vs. Fort Hays State at 10:00 a.m.
Fort Hays State opened its season at the Cherokee Nation Festival and entered the week with a 2-3 overall record under 12th-year head coach Adrian Pilkington, earning its two wins in the tournament against East Central (8-7) in the opener and Harding (5-2) in the final game.

Game 2 vs. Northwest Missouri State at 2:00 p.m.
Under head coach Naomi Tellez, Northwest Missouri State has opened the season with an 8-5 record and is coming off a 3-1 showing at the D-II Battle and Jurco Jam, where the Bearcats earned wins over Truman State (7-1), Southwest Baptist (2-1), and UMSL (5-0) before falling to Maryville, 3-2, in eight innings in the tournament finale.