MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (25-17, 12-6 NSIC) faced off against Wayne State (31-11, 11-7 NSIC) in two games at the MSU Softball Diamond on April 11, with the Mavericks securing a 4–2 victory in the first game but falling 12-1 in the second.

Game 1 | Minnesota State 4, Wayne State 2
In game one, MSU was powered by three home runs, contributing to all of its runs in the win. The Wildcats took an early lead in the first inning when they reached second on an error, allowing a run to score, making it 1–0 in their favor after the first inning.

In the second inning, Izzy Hycnar homered to left center, tying the game, followed by Nyah Hulbert's home run to right field, and Avery Dorman's first career home run to center field, pushing the home team's lead to 3–1 by the end of the inning. The Mavericks added another run in the fourth inning when Hycnar scored after walking, advancing on a wild pitch, and scoring on Maddie Helin's bunt single, extending the lead to 4–1.

WSC managed to score again in the seventh inning with a single to center field, but MSU's defense held firm to secure the win. The final score was Minnesota State 4, Wayne State 2.

Maddie Oetzmann pitched for 4 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 5 and walking 3. Lucy Porter came in for the save, pitching 3 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 unearned run, striking out 2 without issuing any walks. Hycnar led the charge with two runs, a home run, one RBI, and a stolen base. Hulbert had two hits, including a home run, and drove in one run. Dorman also recorded a home run and added an RBI and a stolen base.

Game 2 | Minnesota State 1, Wayne State 12
In game two, Minnesota State fell 12-1 as Wayne State dominated the matchup. The Mavericks managed three hits, including two doubles, while WSC hit four home runs.

The Wildcats took the lead in the third inning with a sacrifice fly, making it 1-0. In the fourth inning, they extended their lead with a two-run homer, bringing the score to 3-0, and added another run in the fifth inning through a sacrifice fly. The Mavericks' offense was unable to respond during these innings.

The sixth inning saw WSC score four more runs, highlighted by a three-run homer, increasing their lead to 8-0. Minnesota State responded in their half with Ireland Broderick doubling and later scoring on Hulbert's double, bringing the score to 8-1. However, the Wildcats sealed their victory in the seventh inning with another four runs, including a three-run homer, leading to the final score of Wayne State 12, Mavericks 1.

Hannah Tong started for the Mavericks, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing five runs on four hits, while Jorey Fry pitched five innings, conceding six earned runs on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Reese Falish closed the game, throwing 2/3 innings without giving up a hit or a run. Broderick led the Mavericks with two hits and one run, including a double, while Hulbert contributed with a double and one RBI.

MSU's next game will take place against St. Cloud State on Friday, April 17, at noon in St. Cloud, Minn.