Softball opening day featured a dominant showing from Madison, who powered past Wausau 11–0 behind strong pitching and a balanced offensive attack. The Grand Forks Spitfires also made history, earning their first franchise win with a 16–6 victory over Minot in a game fueled by an explosive offense.
Madison 11, Wausau 0
The Night Mares dominated from the start, erupting for 12 runs across the first three innings and never allowing the Ignite to recover in a shortened 5-inning game. Tele Jennings (University of Arizona) was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2, including a two-run home run while scoring twice. Hilary Blomberg (University of Wisconsin) went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and a double, finishing with two RBI and two runs scored. Gretta Grassel (Mississippi State University) added a 1-for-2 performance with a double, driving in two runs and scoring twice, while Kyra Smith (Colorado State University) chipped in a solo home run. Danielle Lucey (University of Wisconsin) contributed a 1-for-2 outing with a double and two RBI, and Ahmari Braden (University of Pittsburgh) made an impact on the bases with two runs scored and three stolen bases. Ava Carroll (University of Washington) went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. In the circle, Leila Ammon (Mississippi State University) earned the win with 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two.
Grand Forks 16, Minot 6
The Spitfires erupted early and never looked back, rolling to a 16–6 victory over the Honeybees in a six-inning game to secure the first win in franchise history. Alex Graham (Weatherford College) was an RBI machine, going 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, driving in five runs, and scoring twice. Ally Hetzel (University of Washington) went 2-for-3, including a triple, driving in four runs and scoring three times. Makenna Alexander (University of North Dakota) was perfect at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, recording two RBI, and four runs scored. Anna Elliot (University of Texas at Tyler) went 1-for-1 with a double, scoring three times and stealing two bases. Sofia Meer (University of Pittsburgh) added a 2-for-5 performance with two RBI and three runs scored. In the circle, Mattison Kwart (San Diego State University) earned the win, throwing three innings with three strikeouts while allowing three walks, three runs, and two hits.
Wednesday’s Schedule
Mankato @ La Crosse (6:35 PM CT)
Minot @ Grand Fork (7:05 PM CT)