LA CROSSE, WI — It was a night to remember at Copeland Park as the La Crosse Steam faced off against the Madison Night Mare in the first-ever Northwoods League softball game. In front of a lively crowd of 2,125 fans, the Steam clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Mackenzie Willis of Cal State Monterey Bay delivered an impressive start for the Steam, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing just one run, and striking out six batters.
On the other side, Madison’s Karlie McKenzie from Eastern Illinois University also put on a strong performance, pitching five innings, allowing two runs, and striking out eight.
History was made in the bottom of the first inning when Ashley Wolfe from Oregon State recorded the first hit in La Crosse Steam history. However, it was the Night Mare who struck first in the top of the 5th inning. Addie Blomberg of South Dakota State singled to center field, driving in Tia Durst from Lake Land to give Madison a 1-0 lead.
The Steam responded swiftly in the bottom of the 5th. Ashlee Chantos of Winona State tripled, bringing Ashley Wolfe home to tie the game. Shortly after, Grace Frechette from St. Cloud State singled to center, driving in Chantos and putting La Crosse ahead 2-1.
In the 7th inning, Willis began the inning but was relieved by Rachel Mori of William Peace, who secured the save and sealed the victory for the Steam.
This historic victory marks not only the first win for the La Crosse Steam but also the inaugural game of the Northwoods League softball, a significant milestone in women’s sports. With the win, the Steam improve to 1-0, while the Night Mare drop to 0-1. The Steam will travel to Madison for a rematch against the Night Mare, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
