Madison 13, Minot 0
The defending champions picked up right where they left off, as the Night Mares dominated the Honeybees 13–0 in a championship rematch of last season’s title series. Madison broke the game open with five runs in the second inning and added five more in the sixth before Trinity Kennemer (Metro State University of Denver) capped off the mercy-rule victory with a two-run walk-off home run, finishing 1-for-2 with two RBI. Kyra Smith (Colorado State University) went 3-for-4 with a triple, three RBI, and three runs scored, while Melania Luostari (Auburn University) finished 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored. Danielle Lucey (University of Wisconsin) was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and three runs scored, and Tele Jennings (University of Arizona) went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two RBI. Ava Carroll (University of Washington) added three hits, including a double, driving in one run and scoring once. In the circle, Andrea Jaskowiak (Colorado State University) was dominant, tossing six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk.
Grand Forks 9, Wausau 7
The Spitfires used a pair of big innings to outlast the Ignite 9–7 in a back-and-forth contest. Mankato scored four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to build a lead and held off a late Wausau push to secure the victory. Addison Craig (University of Washington) led the Spitfires’ offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a double, three RBI, and two runs scored. Mattison Kwarta (San Diego State University) went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI, and one run scored, while Alex Graham (Weatherford College) finished 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Ally Hetzel (University of Washington) added two hits and scored twice. For Wausau, Brynn Daniel (Northwestern State University) went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, and three runs scored, while Riley Schwisow (Northwestern State University) went 2-for-3 with a double, one RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base. In addition to her offensive performance, Mattison Kwarta (San Diego State University) earned the win in the circle, throwing 3.1 innings with three strikeouts while allowing two runs on four hits and one walk.
La Crosse 10, Mankato 9
The Steam jumped out to an early lead and held off a late comeback attempt from the Habaneros to earn a 10–9 victory. La Crosse scored five runs in the first inning and added five more in the fourth before surviving a six-run sixth inning from Mankato to secure the win. Josie Brudos (Winona State University) starred offensively, going 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, five RBI, and two runs scored. Trinity Gregg (University of Jamestown) was perfect at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs scored, while Rachel Mori (UNC-Pembroke) went 2-for-3 and crossed the plate twice. For Mankato, Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota) went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI, Izzy Vick (University of St. Thomas (MN)) drove in two runs and scored twice, and Indigo Fish (Winona State University) finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Rachel Mori (UNC-Pembroke) also earned the win in the circle, tossing five innings with two strikeouts while allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks.
Saturday’s Schedule
Grand Forks @ Wausau (5:05 PM CT)
Mankato @ La Crosse (5:05 PM CT)
Madison @ Minot (5:35 PM CT)
Mankato @ La Crosse (7:35 PM CT)
Madison @ Minot (8:05 PM CT)