MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons softball team takes a hot start into the conference opener against Upper Iowa and Winona State, powered in large part by catcher Molly Keeler.

The Dragons are led offensively by Keeler who has seven homeruns and 18 RBI, leading the team in both categories through 13 games. Keeler is also one of four Dragons who have started every game thus far. Keeler has also been a defensive gem, allowing no errors through the non-conference schedule and gunning down two base stealers.

Mara Litzer has also been an offensive force this season, leading all Dragons with at least 15 at bats with a .526 avg. and has driven in 13 runs on 20 hits. Litzer has also posted a 3.96 earned run average through 25 innings pitched. Through the first 13 games, 10 Dragons have a batting average of .300 or better.

As the Dragons enter the NSIC season, a key will be strong starts. The Dragons have outscored opponents 111-51 and have outscored teams 68-28 through the first three innings. The Dragons are also 8-0 when leading after the third inning so far this season.

The Dragons will start off with Upper Iowa (4-19) on Saturday with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and will face off against Winona State (14-3) on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.