MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State Mavericks head to the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational in Davenport, Fla., where they will face six opponents over a six-day stretch. The tournament begins with an 8:15 a.m. first pitch on March 5 and concludes with a 9 a.m. game on March 10.

Minnesota State will take on Saginaw Valley State University, Seton Hill University, Wilmington University, Nova Southeastern University, Wayne State University and California University of Pennsylvania throughout the invitational.

Last Time Out

The Mavericks split a four-game series with UMary last weekend, sweeping Friday's doubleheader before dropping both contests on Saturday.

Minnesota State opened the weekend with a 13-1 win in seven innings. Junior Sam George (3-0) earned the win, allowing just four hits over six innings with five strikeouts. The Mavericks jumped out early, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second. Senior Logan Miller drove in four runs, while junior Owen Sikkink added three RBI. MSU capitalized on 12 walks in the game to secure the run-rule victory.

In game two, the Mavericks powered their way to a 17-11 win behind 20 hits, including five home runs. Senior Brandon Vlcko hit two solo home runs, while Miller added a three-run blast. Seniors Louis Magers and Cole Yearsley each recorded two-run home runs. Yearsley led the team with five RBI, while Miller added four hits and three RBI. MSU sealed the win with a five-run eighth inning.

UMary responded on Saturday with a 7-6 win in game three. After Minnesota State built a 5-3 lead through six innings, the Marauders scored four unanswered runs to take control. The Mavericks threatened in the ninth, loading the bases, but came up just short. Senior Louis Magers scored three runs, and junior Pambos Nicoloudes drove in three.

In the series finale, UMary claimed a 17-7 victory. Magers highlighted the Mavericks' effort with a grand slam in the fourth inning, finishing with four RBI.

Scouting the Opponents

Saginaw Valley State
The Cardinals enter the week 9-2 overall after sweeping Maryville (Mo.). Junior Chase Raymon leads the pitching staff with a 3.15 ERA across 20 innings. Junior Buck Snabes paces the offense with a .450 batting average, 18 hits and 11 RBI. Minnesota State holds a 14-2 advantage in the all-time series.

Seton Hill (Pa.)
Seton Hill is 8-1 on the season. Sophomore Sean Williams owns a 2-0 record with a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings. Senior Jack Whalen leads the Griffins at the plate with a .447 average, 17 hits and 12 runs scored. The Mavericks are 9-10 all-time against Seton Hill.

Wilmington (Del.)
Wilmington carries a 6-2 record into the tournament after a 4-3 win over Point Park. Freshman John Grybowski leads the pitching staff with a 2.45 ERA over 11 innings. Junior Brandon Grygo tops the lineup with a .323 average and six RBI. Minnesota State is 14-0 all-time against Wilmington.

Nova Southeastern
The Sharks are 5-8 overall and coming off a loss to Eckerd College. Junior Christopher Perez owns a 1.08 ERA in 16 innings pitched. Senior Roylan Quevedo leads the team with a .304 batting average and 17 RBI. This will be the first meeting between the two programs.

Wayne State (Mich.)
Wayne State is 10-2 after taking three of four games from Findlay. Graduate student Gabe Nazelli has posted a 1.23 ERA in 14.2 innings. Freshman Rhett Roeser leads the Warriors offensively with a .519 batting average and 10 RBI. Minnesota State holds a 6-1 series lead.

California (Pa.)
The Vulcans sit at 3-3 on the year. Junior Beau Bigam has recorded a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings. Senior Connor Evans leads the offense with a .545 batting average, eight RBI and one home run. The Mavericks are 8-10 all-time against California (Pa.).