UMD Softball Welcomes in Bemidji State in Search of First NSIC Conference Win

The Bulldogs have recorded 20 wins at the halfway point of their season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team has started their season out on a high note.

The Bulldogs have recorded 20 wins at the halfway point of their season.

After kicking off NSIC conference play last week the Bulldogs are still in search of their first conference win.

UMD dropped both games of their doubleheader last week to Winona State in their home opener.

The Bulldogs are back at home this week as they welcome in another NSIC conference opponent in Bemidji State.

The Beavers and the Bulldogs met earlier in the season, where Bemidji won 8 to 3.

UMD enters this season with a young squad and in the first meeting between the Bulldogs and Bemidji, there were learning moments for the team.

“For a lot of our kids, we have about a third of our lineup is fairly experienced. But two-thirds haven’t seen a ton of at bats going into that one. Again, we are learning, it’s a work in progress. I think we’re getting better. I feel like we have a good plan. I feel like kids are intentional in their preparation and I expect to have much better at bats, and play cleaner defense,” said UMD head coach Nat Wagner. “The big thing this year is being process oriented and make sure that we’re getting a little better each day.”

In the Bulldogs second meeting with the Beavers, the team will focus on playing consistent in all phases.

“Keep steady, keep doing what we are doing in practice and everything, and keep the confidence that we are going to pull off these next two wins,” said Nicole Schmitt. “They just kind of hit the ball and I think our pitchers have improved since then and our hitters have also improved. So, I think we will see either the same pitcher or a different one, but either way we will be prepared for them.”

The Bulldogs and the Beavers doubleheader is on Wednesday, March 26th.

First pitch for game one is at 2 p.m.