The Southwest Minnesota State University Mustang softball team picked up two wins on Thursday, March 14 to extend their win streak to four straight while in Kissimmee, Fla. The Mustangs defeated Northwood University 6-3 on Thursday morning, then topped the day off with a 6-3 victory over Ferris State.

The Northwood Timberwolves started the game off with two consecutive hits. SMSU could not work up the momentum to stop the Timberwolves from scoring, and allowed a run due to a throwing error by Katelyn Kalkman.

The game would slowly start to turn for the Mustangs after scoring in the first inning. Kalkman scored on a hit-by-pitch after getting hit during her at-bat to tie the game at 1-1.

NU would recapture the lead in the fourth inning with an unearned run due to a throwing error by Chelsey Rodenkirch.

Sophomore Morgan Peterson was quick to take care of the Mustangs’ deficit, blasting a two-run double to left field. Rodenkirch and Kalkman each recorded a single. A walk by Amy Dressen would load the bases for the Mustangs. A wild pitch during Peterson’s at-bat would score Rodenkirch, making the score 4-2.

The Mustangs would add two additional runs in the sixth inning due to a throwing error, making the score 6-3.

Sophomore Rachel Groff picked up the win, allowing only three runs and striking out four. Offensively, Katelyn Kalkman led the Mustangs, going 2 for 2 with singles and a hit-by-pitch. Peterson’s game-winning hit in the fifth inning was her only hit of the game. She finished 1 for 2 with a double, a walk, and two RBIs.

Rachel Hoeppner picked up the win against Ferris State, allowing only three runs and recorded five strikeouts and no walks.

Offensively, the Mustangs were led by Rodenkirch, who recorded three hits, including a double and a home run. Rodenkirch scored three runs. Shelbie Stoll and Dressen recorded two hits and two RBIs apiece, while Jennifer Johnson and Kailey Hanson both picked up two hits.