Freshman catcher Austin Athmann went 3-for-3 and had an RBI as the Gophers beat North Dakota State 5-3 on Tuesday at Siebert Field in nonconference baseball.

It was Athmann's first start since March 9. He also blocked the plate and tagged a runner out at home in the third inning.

Shortstop Mike Handel was 2-for-5 with an RBI for the Gophers (18-14).

Minnesota, ahead 2-1, scored three runs in the seventh to open a 5-1 lead. Handel doubled, two pinch hitters walked to load the bases. Athmann's walk scored a run and then pinch-hiotter Dan Olinger singled to score two more runs.

Pinh-hitter David Ernest had a two-run single for the Bison (8-16) in the eighth inning.

Toby Anderson, who pitched two scoreless innings in relief, got the victory while Kevin Kray got a save with 1â…“ innings of work.

Etc.

• Three Minnesotans were named to the U.S. national team which will compete in the IIHF men's world championship May 9-25 in Minsk, Belarus. They are Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner, of Minnetonka, New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson of Warroad and Kloten (Switzerland) forward Peter Mueller of Bloomington.

• Defenseman Ryan Lindgren of Shattuck-St. Mary's and goalie Jake Oettinger of Lakeville North committed to the under-17 U.S. national development team based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Lindgren has verbally committed to the Gophers. Oettinger helped the Panthers reach the Class 2A title game last March as a freshman.

• Sophomore center Sarah Durand of Northland was named the NJCAA Division III player of the year and Shannon Nelson, her coach, the coach of the year in that division. Durand averaged 23.5 points and 9.9 rebounds as the Pioneers went 27-1 record and won their first national title.