SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State University’s softball team knows that if it wants to make the NCAA Division II tournament, it will likely need to win the NSIC first. It took an important first step towards that goal, with a 7-0 victory over Northern State on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals.

The Beavers hit home runs in back-to-back at-bats in the bottom half of the sixth to seal the victory, after entering the inning already up 3-0. Sara Van Wickler hit the first one over the center field wall, scoring Kilee Fehd and Hannah Murray. The home run by Van Wickler made up for her being tagged out at home after being cut off by Northern State’s second baseman Eden Ford. Immediately after Van Wickler cleared the bases, Brooklyn Morrison added a home run of her own, sending hers over the right field wall.

Minot State’s bats weren’t the only thing lively on the day, so were the Beavers’ feet, stealing four bases in the win. Among the Minot State players with a stolen base were Morrison, Abby Lohse, Murray and Fehd.

Lohse and Anna LaCount also produced extra base hits as each hit a double. Morrison and Murray each scored multiple runs for the Beavers.

Minot State’s Reegan Floyd dominated on the mound, only allowing three hits in shutting out the Wolves. Floyd finished with one walk and one strikeout, as the Wolves grounded out 18 times in the game. Floyd improves to 9-8 on the season.

Lexi Chase (10-10) got the start for the Northern State and gave up seven runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Chase also finished with one walk and two strikeouts. Abby Rux came on in relief for the Wolves, pitching a 1/3 of an inning, giving up one hit while preventing Minot State from either getting a hit or scoring.

The win improves Minot State’s record to 23-18 on the year, while Northern State closes out its season with a 25-24 record. The Beavers will face off against Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) in the third quarterfinal of the day this afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.