SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -  The Winona State University softball team traveled west to take on the 14^th-ranked Augustana Vikings on Tuesday in the first road trip of the 2022 NSIC season for the Warriors.  

In game one, Winona State rallied in the fifth inning to tie the Vikings 5-5 in the fifth on a Marissa Mullen three-run home run, but the home side pulled away in the late stages of the game to win 13-5.   In the nightcap, the Augustana offense again proved to be formidable, defeating Winona State 16-1.
 
Game One

The Warriors opened game one by scoring one run in the top of the first inning, but the home side responded with a pair of scores to take the lead in the first frame. Augustana went on to add one more in the second inning and two more in fourth, leading the Warriors 5-1 at that point.

In the fifth frame, the Winona State offense returned to make a mark. After Sam Keller and Abbie Hlas reached based on back-to-back singles, Marissa Mullen drove a three-run home run over the fence in right field, knotting the score at 5-5.

As in the first inning however, Augustana responded, this time with a three-run fifth inning. After shutting out the Warriors in top of the sixth, AU posted five runs in the sixth to end the game. 

At the plate, the top of the Warrior was effective with leadoff hitter Sam Keller going 2-for-4 with a double and Abbie Hlas 3-for-3 with two RBI and a double as well.  Marissa Mullen had a single and home run, plating three RBI. Augustana hit five eight home runs in the game, led by Mary Pardo with three.

Starting pitcher Liz Pautz went the distance in the game and struck out eight Vikings while conceding two walks.   

In game one Winona State scored five runs on nine hits and committed two errors.  Augustana tallied 13 runs on 14 hits and had one miscue.  
 
Game Two

Unfortunately for Winona State, the Viking bats remained hot into game two, with AU defeating WSU, 16-1.

As in game one, the Vikings again used the long ball to their advantage, hitting five home runs in the contest.  Augustana scored two runs in the first inning and posted six more in the second, followed by seven in the third frame.
Winona State avoided the shutout when, in the fourth inning, Libby Neveau doubled in Carly Engelhart who had doubled moments earlier.

Abbie Hlas started the contest for WSU, before giving way to Abby Smith in the second inning.  Brianna Luciano threw the final one and 2/3's innings for Winona State.

In the game, Winona State scored one run on three hits and committed 1 error. Augustana scored 16 runs on 15 hits with no errors in the field.

Next up for Winona State (18-10, 4-2 NSIC) is an up-north road trip when they visit the University of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday, April 9 and Bemidji State University on Sunday, April 10.