MINOT, N.D. – The Montana State University Billings softball team finished Minot State's Bubble Invite 2 with an undefeated day, besting University of Providence and Bemidji State University in consecutive games.

The Yellowjackets (5-6) picked up consecutive wins for the first time this season, downing the Argos from Great Falls 6-5, before following that up with a 4-1 victory over the Beavers. The Yellowjackets went 3-1 in four games at Minot, improving on their 2-2 finish at the Bubble Invitational from last season.

Game 1: MSUB 6, Providence 5

The Yellowjacket's offense struck early and often, picking up nine hits and six runs in the first four innings. RBI singles from Makayla Stoker and Shelby Marquardt put the 'Jackets up 2-0 in the second inning, and they would grow that lead with a four-run top of the fourth. This time, it was Marin Penney and Maycen O'Neal picking up RBI singles, before they would both score on an double by Teagan Seeton.

Julia Qualteri threw six innings in the game, keeping zeroes in the run column for the first four innings of the game. But the Argo's tacked on a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings, and after the first two Providence batters reached base to begin the seventh, Qualteri gave way for Alyssa Etheridge. Etheridge shut the door in the seventh, picking up a bases loaded strikeout for the final out of the game to give the 'Jackets the victory.

"We came out swinging the bats well." Said Yellowjackets head coach Lisa McKinney. "Julia started well for us on the mound, and Alyssa came in to pick up a big save for us. It was a big team win for our girls."

Penney and O'Neal each picked up two hits in the game, and an RBI each. Seeton went 2-4, with 2 RBIs and a run. Marquardt went 2-3 with an RBI. Each of them also stole a base. Leadoff hitter Lauren Blaschak went 1-3 with a run and a walk. Qualteri picked up the win after throwing six innings, striking out two and allowing seven hits. Etheridge picked up the save, striking out two in the final inning.

Game 2: MSUB 4, Bemidji State 1

The Beavers and Yellowjackets battled in the early innings, picking up hits but struggling to convert them to runs. Kyla Damerow and Etheridge controlled the plate, making runs hard to come by. In the top of the fourth inning however, Bemidji would strike first when with the bases loaded, Emmarie Yeager knocked in an RBI single. Etheridge would collect herself from there, escaping the jam with just the one run allowed.

MSUB would respond with strong play down the stretch. They quickly made up the gap in the bottom of the fifth inning, when with Marleigh Nieto on first, Shelby Martin blasted a home run to right field, her first of the season, giving the 'Jackets a 2-1 lead. They doubled their score in the next inning when Seeton scored on a throwing error, and Jazlyn Kalehuawehe followed that by scoring Kilee Imada with an RBI single. Etheridge finished the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning, and the 'Jackets concluded their trip to Minot by sweeping day 2.

"We responded well after going down, and finished the game strong." Said McKinney. "Alyssa set the tempo on the mound from the first inning. Our offense stayed relaxed, and our patience was rewarded at the end when the hits picked up. Overall, I'm proud of the way we rallied, and ended this weekend on a high note."

Kalehuawehe went 2-3, picking up an RBI. Her first hit turned into Nieto's run after the freshman from Billings pinch ran for her. Martin ended 1-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Seeton, O'Neal, Blaschak, and Imada each went 1-3. Blaschak also stole a base, her team high fourth of the young season. Etheridge went the full seven innings, striking out seven, allowing just one run and a walk.

THE BUZZ: Seeton was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for her efforts in game one, while Martin was selected for game two… Etheridge's save in game two was the third of her career… Blaschak has already surpassed her stolen base total from last season, and has picked up a hit in nine of her eleven games this season.

UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets play next on March 3-4, when they kick off Great Northwest Athletic Conference play against Central Washington in Ellensburg. The 'Jackets begin March 3 with a double header, with start times at 11 AM (12 PM MST), and 1 PM (2 PM MST). Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.