THIS WEEK IN PEACOCK SOFTBALL… The Upper Iowa University softball wraps up their road trip with a pair of NSIC doubleheaders against the University of Mary and Minot State University on May 1 and 2. Saturday's two-bill against UMary is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. on May 1 in Bismarck, N.D., while Sunday's two-game set against Minot State is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start on May 2 in Minot, N.D.

LAST AT BAT… The Peacocks had a tough stretch last week to open a long road trip as they went 0-6 in a trio of NSIC doubleheaders in Minnesota. UIU fell by scores of 6-0 and 5-3 on Apr. 22 against No. 18 Minnesota State University, Mankato despite not allowing an earned run in the first game and making a comeback effort in game two. On Apr. 24 against the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Peacocks fell 13-2 in a five-inning game and 8-0 in a six-inning game in a pair of contests that ended early due to run rule. Against St. Cloud State University on Apr. 25, Upper Iowa fell by a score of 8-4 in a competitive first game before losing 15-0 in five innings in a second game that featured a 13-run second inning.

KEEPING UP WITH UPPER IOWA... We've got you covered with several live options while the Peacocks are on the road. Live stats and webcasts produced by the hosting teams will be available through the links at UIUPeacocks.com/Live and included in this story. The games will also stream live on the new NSIC Network app through Roku and Fire devices, as well as Apple and Android TV. Search for "NSIC Network" to find the app on your relevant device.

PACING THE PEACOCKS... Payton Kastenschmidt leads the Upper Iowa offense in hitting with a .382 batting average and a .409 on-base percentage. Kastenschmidt is third on the team in hits (34) and runs batted in (13), and is tied with Amanda Williams for second with three home runs. Katie Crogan paces the Peacock hitters in a number of categories as her 38 hits, 22 RBI, 12 doubles, eight home runs, .673 slugging percentage, and 1.041 on-base plus slugging are team-highs. Crogan's 17 runs are tied with Kaylee Frenette for first, and her .345 batting average ranks second on the team. In the NSIC, Crogan's 12 doubles are tied for third overall and her eight home runs are tied for the fourth-best mark. Peacock pitcher Abby McKay leads the squad in just about every major category from the circle. McKay holds a 3.68 earned run average, a record of 8-10 with 15 complete games, and allows a team-best .283 average to opposing hitters. McKay's 121.2 innings pitched lead the NSIC, and her 128 strikeouts (1.05 per inning) rank fifth in the conference.

MANAGING THE MARAUDERS... The University of Mary comes into their matchup against the Peacocks with a 6-27 (5-15 NSIC) record and are coming off a weekend in which they were swept by Sioux Falls and SMSU in a pair of doubleheaders. The Marauders offense hits .257 as a team with 218 hits, 105 runs (3.18 per game), 92 RBI, 37 doubles, three triples, and 12 home runs. The UMary pitching staff has compiled a 9.35 ERA and 112 strikeouts while allowing a .354 average to opposing hitters. UMary's team ERA and opponent batting average are the highest in the NSIC.

BESTING THE BEAVERS... Minot State University holds a record of 16-18 (9-11 NSIC) heading into the weekend. On offense, the Beavers hit .300 as a team with 263 hits, 158 runs (4.65 per game), 135 RBI, 52 doubles, eight triple, and seven home runs. Minot's 113 stolen bases and 138 attempts lead the NSIC by a wide margin and are 31 and 46 more, respectively, than the second-place team's (Augustana) totals. Minot State's pitchers have recorded a 5.18 ERA and 145 strikeouts while allowing a .296 batting average to opponents. The Beavers are scheduled to play a doubleheader against #20 Winona State University prior to their matchup with Upper Iowa.