File photo of Minot State senior Micaela Resler (center) as she rounds third base to score off of an RBI by senior Paige Kellogg in the Beavers’ second game of their doubleheader against Montana State University Billings at home on Friday, Jan. 30. Nathan Beitler/MDN

The Minot State Beavers softball team split a pair of games to kick off the last week of play in the Space Coast Spring Games hosted in Viera, FL on Monday, Mar. 16.

The Beavers opened their last week of play in Florida against the Mercy University Mavericks out of Dobbs Ferry, NY beginning at 12:15 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon.

The Beavers came out of the gate swinging, earning ten total runs in the bottom of the first inning. Minot State took their early lead with back-to-back scoring plays including a three-run home run by senior Anna LaCount. The Beavers defense kept the Mavericks at bay, allowing just a single run in the top of the second inning.

The Beavers earned two more runs in the bottom of the third inning when junior Maizy Whitlow earned her second RBI with a single into right field.

The Beavers allowed the Mavericks to earn just three more runs before the game was called after the top of the fifth with Minot State on top 12-4.

Minot State’s second game of the day began at 2:30 p.m. ET against the Purdue University Northwest Lions. Neither team scored in the first two innings of play, but the Beavers earned a single run in the top of the third inning with an RBI fly out by LaCount.

The Beavers allowed the Lions to score four runs, losing themselves the lead. The Beavers only earned two more runs in the top of the fifth. Neither team scored again through the rest of the game, losing the contest for the Beavers 3-4.

The Beavers will play their next game in Florida against the Post University Eagles on Tuesday, Mar. 17.