Minot State senior Anna LaCount rounds second base in their game against the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets during their second game of the season at the annual Bubble Invite on Friday, Jan. 30. Nathan Beitler/MDN

After getting their start on the field during their annual Bubble Invite in late January, the Minot State softball team will return to begin the rest of the 2026 season in the Jamestown Tournament beginning this weekend on Friday, Feb. 20.

The Beavers earned a 3-1 start this season after their victory in a double header against Montana State University Billings and a 1-1 record against Black Hills State University. Despite losing senior defensive leaders Reegan Floyd and Jasmine Blizzard in the pitcher’s circle, the Beavers have brought on a number of new players like junior-college transfers Katie Newberry and Taylor Kruser and freshman Addie Marcus that have helped them keep defensively competitive.

In the first round of the Jamestown Tournament, the Beavers will take on the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers. The Beavers and the Tigers have only played twice since 2022, once in the 2022 season and once in the 2023 season. Both times, the Beavers walked away with the win.

The Beavers’ second game of the tournament and second game of the day on Friday, Feb. 20 will be against the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks. The Blue Hawks and the Beavers haven’t met since their limited season in 2020, but in their 37 games since 2006, the Blue Eagles have the winning record at 23-14 against the Beavers.

The Jamestown Tournament will wrap early on Saturday evening, Feb. 21, with a game against Bismarck State College and another against Concordia College. After the Jamestown Tournament, the Beavers will return home for a double header against Bismarck State College on Wednesday, Feb. 25.