MANKATO -- The Minnesota State softball team drops in this week's National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll six spots to #12. The Mavericks were previously ranked #6.

Minnesota State is one of three teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the poll, as it joins #6 Winona State and sits tied with #12 Augustana. Another NSIC team, Wayne State, is receiving votes in the NFCA poll.

Minnesota State (35-8, 12-4 NSIC) will play doubleheaders against Concordia Thursday and Southwest Minnesota State Friday. Both road games are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.