ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings softball team will dive back into conference play on Saturday, April 6 when they welcome in the Millikin Big Blue for a doubleheader.

Augustana currently sits at 8-6 overall and 1-1 in the CCIW and is returning to action after a 2-2 trip to Tennessee last week. After falling in both games to Cumberland, the Vikings bounced back and defeated the Sewanee Tigers in a pair of games last Wednesday, out-scoring them 28-8 across the two wins. McKensey Stontz was crowned the CCIW Hitter of the Week following her effort across the four games. She hit .500 (5-10) and sent three home runs over the fence, including a grand slam against Sewanee. Nadia Ranieri earned both wins on the mound in the two outings vs. the Tigers.

Millikin enters the weekend with a 12-8 overall record and will begin its CCIW slate against Augie on Saturday. The Big Blue have won three of their last four contests, including a two-game sweep over Illinois College the last time out. Millikin out-scored Illinois College 12-1 over the two victories. The team is led this season by Rylee Blake and Leah Foreman, who are both hitting .400 or above at the plate this season. Kelsey Bruno is Millikin's leader on the mound with a 3.12 ERA and 43 strikeouts in just over 40 innings. The Big Blue have not played a road game yet this season.

Saturday will be the 97th and 98th meeting between the two programs, with Millikin owning a 59-37 record all-time. The Big Blue won both meetings last year in Decatur.

Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.