The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team is set to compete in a double header against Winona State University Monday, the Bulldogs first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference official action of the season. The two games were originally set to be hosted by the Warriors on Sunday the 24th, but due to weather, they have been moved to the RCTC Dome in Rochester, Minn. on Monday the 25th. The game times are set for 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  

THE MATCHUP: Over the past nine seasons, the Bulldogs have a record of 7-11 against Winona State. The last 10 matchups have been split 5-5, but UMD has a current winning streak of four games that began on April 15, 2022. Over those four games, the Bulldogs have outscored WSU 30-10, with the closest game a 10-inning run-fest last season on April 14 that ended in a 6-5 win for UMD in Duluth. In fact, over the tenure of Bulldog head coach Lynn Anderson, UMD is 4-1 against the Warriors. 

Last season the Bulldogs swept the Warriors at home in a double-header on April 14, 2023 (10-0, 6-5 10-innings), and then defeated WSU 4-1 in the NSIC Tournament in Rochester, Minn. on April 4, 2023 by a score of 4-1.

WSU will enter the Monday double header with a record of 16-10 in the 2024 season so far. 

OVER THE BREAK: During their spring break period, the Bulldogs traveled to Clermont, Fla. to compete in The Spring Games. They had a total of ten games and posted a record of 9-1. The impressive stretch was something head coach Lynn Anderson was proud of her team for, especially coming off of a 3-3 record in the Drury Classic just days prior. 

"Missouri was kind of a rough stretch. We didn't play our best and very easily could have gone from a tough 3-3 weekend to an even tougher week in Florida, but our team did a fantastic job of flipping that switch and resetting," said Anderson. 

Notably, UMD ran off nine-straight wins in the sunshine state, highlighted by a 7-4, 9-inning long game against then No. 5 Grand Valley State University to the tune of a 7-4 Bulldog win on March 9. 

UMD posted shutouts in three games, including forcing back-to-back games shortened to just five innings in two 8-0 wins against Wayne State University and McKendree University on March 9-10. 

Senior pitcher Lauren Dixon went 5-0 – including a win against the ranked Lakers – with 32 innings pitched, recording 27 strikeouts and a 0.66 ERA. 

BENDER BREAKING RECORDS: During The Spring Games in Florida, senior infielder Kiana Bender set a new UMD record for walks in a career. Her current mark of 96 career walks passed the former record holder Jordyn Thomas with 91. Bender has drawn 16 walks so far this year, which leads the NSIC. 

DIXON IS DELIVERING: Senior pitcher Lauren Dixon has been very effective so far in the 2024 season. She has pitched in a total of 96 innings and leads the NSIC with 114 strikeouts, with the next closest at 72. Last week, her performance earned her the NSIC Pitcher of the Week. The production from Dixon is something of great value for the team. 

"She is just continuing to be incredible on the mound and with her innings and the number of strikeouts. She has a great presence on the mound and is filled with confidence," said Anderson. 

LOOKING AHEAD: After the double header against Winona State, the Bulldogs are currently scheduled to host double header against Augustana University on March 29. The game will take place at Junction Field with game times set for 12:00 and 2:00.