(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Softball team returns to the field this weekend following a two-week layoff. The weekend games originally scheduled for the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, S.D. are currently in limbo because of the NCAA North Central Region Women’s Basketball Tournament being held at the Dakota Dome.
“I am a little frustrated that the coaches weren’t informed of this possibility up front,” says Head Coach Mitch Bakken. “If I would have known this could happen, I would have made sure to schedule our games further south to make sure we got them in. I currently don’t know where or if we will be playing, but if we do, I know it will be outside and that is also a concern.”
As of release time, the Golden Eagles are looking to travel to Mitchell, S.D. or Sioux City, Iowa to try and play the games. The weekend weather forecast doesn’t look favorable so the games and times will be tentative until Thursday or Friday.
“We’ve had a great two weeks of practice and I know the team is prepared and ready to get back on the field,” says Bakken. “We just need to stay focused and prepare for the upcoming games and not worry about the weather or scheduling.”
The Golden Eagles will have games on Tuesday, March 18 as the team travels to Rosemount, Minn. to play Crown College in the Irish Dome. The double-header is set for a 10:00 a.m. start. The team opens NSIC play on April 5 against Upper Iowa University at the Wayne State Crossover in Wayne, Neb. First pitch is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Player Spotlight: Tracy Nyhus (Jr, 2B, Almena, Wis.) led the Golden Eagles in the team’s previous action against Dakota State University and St. Cloud State University on February 24. She went 4-6 (.667) at the plate with two singles, a double, a home run and an RBI. She slugged an outstanding 1.333 and had an on base percentage of .714. Defensively, she tallied two put-outs, five assists and had a fielding percentage of 1.000.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
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