SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – No. 1 seed Augustana came from down three runs with a four-run bottom of the fifth inning to eliminate No. 3 seed Minnesota State and advance to the championship game with a 6-5 victory over the Mavericks.
 
The Mavericks (38-23) scored a run in each of the first three innings to take a 3-0 lead before the Vikings exploded for four runs on three home runs in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Carley Pickett, who earned her 17th win of the season in the circle, got Augustana (50-8) started with a one-out solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Sarah Kennedy followed with a single and Jenelle Trautmann blasted her 75th career home run, to move into second all-time in NCAA Division II history, to tie the game at 3-3.
 
Five pitches later, Augustana took a 4-3 lead on a solo home run by Carly Peterson.  The Vikings carried the momentum into the sixth inning and scored two runs with two outs to go in front 6-3. Augustana loaded the bases after a single by Kennedy and back-to-back walks by Trautmann and Peterson. Jordan Schaffer then delivered a two-RBI single up the middle to give Augustana a two-run lead.
 
The Mavericks cut the lead to one in the top of the seventh on a two-run home run by Dana Mogren but Trautmann would get a strikeout to end the game and send Augustana into the NSIC Tournament Championship game for the second straight season.
 
Augustana is currently taking on Winona State, who has not yet lost in the double elimination tournament, at Sherman Park. To follow live stats, click HERE.