Mavericks Fall in Pair of Games at Washburn Invite

2/21/2026 5:23:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 TOPEKA, Kan. — Minnesota State (3-5) concluded Saturday's action at the Washburn Invite, falling 4–2 to No. 17-ranked Central Oklahoma (12-4) before finishing the day with a 15–2 result against Washburn (15-3) in a five-inning contest on Feb. 21.

The Mavericks were held scoreless through the first four innings despite creating opportunities, most notably in the third when Minnesota State recorded two hits and a walk but left three runners stranded in scoring position. Central Oklahoma capitalized in the top of the third with a three-run frame, highlighted by a two-run double, before adding another run on a bases-loaded walk to take a 3–0 lead.

Minnesota State answered in the bottom of the fifth, stringing together timely hits and aggressive baserunning. Avery Dorman delivered an RBI single to center field to put the Mavericks on the board and trim the deficit to 3–1.

The momentum continued in the sixth inning as Hannah Tong blasted a solo home run to left-center, pulling Minnesota State within one at 3–2 and keeping the pressure on the Bronchos.

Central Oklahoma added an insurance run in the top of the seventh with an RBI double to extend the lead back to two. The Mavericks brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom half of the inning but were unable to complete the comeback.

Minnesota State finished with seven hits offensively, led by Ireland Broderick, who went 2-for-3 with a walk, while Dorman added an RBI. In the circle, Maddie Oetzmann was strong in relief, tossing 4.2 innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out seven to keep the Mavericks within striking distance throughout the contest.

In game two, the Mavericks found themselves trailing early after the Ichabods pushed across a run in the bottom of the first inning. Minnesota State answered quickly in the second, as Finley Anderson delivered a solo home run to left field to even the score at 1–1 and provide the team's offensive spark.

Washburn responded with a decisive nine-run second inning, stringing together six hits, including multiple extra-base hits and a three-run home run, to create separation. The Ichabods added two more runs in the third on a two-run homer and later extended the lead with a three-run blast in the fourth to make it 15–1.

Despite the deficit, MSU continued to compete at the plate. Carly Kimmes recorded a single, while pinch hitter Kenedi Pryne reached on a base hit in the fifth and later came around to score on a throwing error, accounting for Minnesota State's second run of the game.

Minnesota State totaled three hits in the game, highlighted by Anderson's home run, as the Mavericks ultimately fell 15–2 in the run-rule shortened matchup.

MSU will conclude their time at the Washburn Invite on Sunday, Feb. 22, opening the day against Fort Hays State at 10 a.m.

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