Wayne, Neb. - 21 hits in two games helped the Minnesota Duluth Bulldog softball team to a series sweep of the Wayne State College Wildcats on Monday afternoon in Wayne, Neb. The Bulldogs would grab a narrow 4-3 victory in game one, before posting a more convincing 8-4 victory in game two. With the pair of wins on Monday, the Bulldogs locked up a first round meeting with St. Cloud State in the NSIC Tournament on Thursday at 12:00 PM CT in Rochester, Minn. 

Offensively, the bats came alive for UMD during their regular season finale. 5th-year senior Jordyn Thomas labeled her 53rd and 54th career home runs on the day, as well as chipping in a total of six RBI. Across both games on the day, Dea Deleon went 5-for-7 at the plate with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Catcher Sidney Zavoral also found her groove at the plate. During Monday's double header, Zavoral went 4-for-8 with two RBI and four runs scored. Additionally, sophomore Kiana Bender finished the day with three RBI and three hits, including her ninth home run of the season in game one. 

On the mound, 5th-year senior Sam Pederson got the call in game one. Pederson would surrender just five hits and three runs in 6.1 innings of work, picking up her thirteenth win of the year to move to 13-4 overall. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Mady Stariha took the mound and secured her second save of the season. Game two saw Lauren Dixon take the mound. Dixon gave up seven hits and three runs in 3.1 innings, before being relieved by Christin Hartman in the fourth. Hartman would improve to 5-0 on the season after going 3.2 strong innings and holding the Wildcats to just two hits and one run. 

Up Next
The Bulldogs will head to the NSIC Tournament on Thursday afternoon in Rochester, Minn. UMD will face the St. Cloud State Huskies in the four versus five matchup at 12:00 PM CT on Thursday.