MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State softball team (3-7) heads to Kansas for the second straight weekend to partake in the Top Gun Midwest College Classic. 

About the Mavericks
The Mavericks competed against six opponents in three days, including then-No. 17-ranked Central Oklahoma, and produced offensive opportunities in each contest while keeping several games close into the final frames.

Offensively, Minnesota State saw encouraging production from multiple players throughout the weekend. Maddie Helin delivered one of the most productive performances at the plate, collecting multiple extra-base hits, including a home run and a double, and posting a three-hit game against Central Missouri. Helin also drove in a run and crossed the plate in Sunday's opener against Fort Hays State.

Sophomore Finley Anderson supplied power and speed at the top of the lineup, recording a triple against Emporia State before launching a solo home run against Washburn. Anderson's ability to spark the offense in key moments helped keep the Mavericks within striking distance in several contests.

West Des Moines, Iowa, native Ireland Broderick was another steady presence, reaching base consistently and finishing 2-for-3 with a walk against Central Oklahoma. She added an RBI, a stolen base, and strong defensive play in the outfield. Paxton Dekkers came through in run-producing situations as well, driving in multiple runs over the weekend, including an RBI double against Central Missouri and another RBI single on Sunday.

Shortstop Chloe Brandt provided a spark in the finale against Fort Hays State, leading the team with two hits, including a triple, while Ryanne Mellum added a late RBI double against Northwest Missouri State.

Friday, Feb. 27
Game 1 vs. Northwest Missouri State at 12:30 p.m. 
Minnesota State is set for a rematch with Northwest Missouri State at the Top Gun Midwest Invite. The Bearcats won the first meeting 11–2 in five innings and currently hold a 12-5 record under head coach Naomi Tellez.

Game 2 vs. Rockhurst at 5:30 p.m.
Rockhurst enters the weekend with a 2-5 record after also competing at the Washburn Invite, where the Hawks dropped three contests to Northwest Missouri State (6-1), then-No. 17 Central Oklahoma (15-2, five innings), and Emporia State (2-1). Dana Gross is in her third season as head coach of the Hawks.


Saturday, Feb. 28
Game 1 vs. Nebraska-Kearney at 10:00 a.m.
Head coach Katie Ackermann's squad enters the weekend with a 9-8 record after sweeping Sioux Falls in a doubleheader last weekend and splitting a pair of games with Southwest Minnesota State. Minnesota State holds a 14-4 all-time advantage against Nebraska-Kearney and has won nine straight meetings in the series.

Game 2 vs. Washburn at 12:20 p.m.
Washburn, led by 10th-year head coach Brenda Holaday, enters the weekend with a 17-3 record. The Ichabods defeated Minnesota State 15-2 in five innings last weekend, while MSU holds a narrow 15-13 advantage in the all-time series.


Sunday, March 1
Game 1 vs. Missouri Western at 10:00 a.m.
Under the direction of second-year head coach Nicole Thompson, Missouri Western has opened the season 12-2. The Griffons captured three wins at the Branson DII Battle with victories against Southern Nazarene, Quincy, and Southwest Baptist.

Game 2 vs. Emporia State at 12:20 p.m.
The Mavericks last saw Emporia State at the Washburn Invite, where the Hornets claimed a 4-1 win. First-year head coach Megan Hill has guided Emporia State to a 10-5 start, and the Hornets now own a two-game streak against Minnesota State. Emporia State holds a 17-14 advantage in the series.