It's been nearly three years since the University of Minnesota Duluth last played a softball game on campus, but that lengthy absence is scheduled to end this Friday and Saturday (April 11-12) when the Bulldogs host a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference rivals at James S. Malosky Stadium. It will mark the first time that 48-year old facility has ever housed a Bulldog athletic event other than football, soccer or track and field.

UMD will take on Augustana College in a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Friday before facing Wayne State College twice the following day beginning at 11:30 a.m. The home openers have been designated as "1FOUR Mandy" Weekend in honor of former Bulldog Mandy Matula, who died last spring at the age of 24. Matula closed out her UMD playing days in 2011 with a .304 lifetime batting average and posted an 11-9 record in 31 career pitching appearances. She was also a member of UMD's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and an active volunteer in the Duluth community during her time with the Bulldogs. As a tribute to Matula, the entire Bulldog team will wear No. 14 jerseys on both Friday and Saturday. Her No. 14 jersey will be officially retired next year on a yet-to-be determined date. UMD Athletics, in partnership with the Matula family, has established the 1FOUR Mandy Fund and those interested in contributing to the fund, which provides financial support for the Bulldog softball program, can do so by clicking here.

The Bulldogs had their entire 2013 home schedule scrubbed because of snow and one year early, played all 10 of their home games at the Ordean-East Middle School Field. UMD's last appearance on campus, at Junction Avenue Field, was on April 29, 2011 when it swept Upper Iowa University (8-0 and 3-1). Junction Avenue Field is currently covered with well over a foot of snow.

UMD is 17-14 overall this season and an even 3-3 in NSIC play after having its two league matchups today at Bemidji State University canceled.