LA CROSSE, WIS. — The Habaneros hit the road Friday night for their second straight matchup against the La Crosse Steam.

It was a slow start for the Habaneros, as the Steam jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after the first inning.

Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota) recorded a double in the second inning, while Izzy Vick (University of St. Thomas) came around to score on a fielder’s choice. The Habaneros cut the deficit to 5-1.

Both teams were held scoreless in the third inning.

La Crosse added to their lead in the fourth, scoring five runs to extend the advantage to 10-1.

The Habaneros responded in the fifth inning.

Katy Olive (Miami University, Ohio) delivered an RBI single to bring in a run, and Mankato added another to trim the deficit to 10-3.

The sixth inning proved to be the turning point, as the Habaneros mounted a comeback effort with six runs.

Ava McKee (Bowling Green State University) led off with a base hit, and Morgan Koestecka (Wisconsin–Green Bay) capitalized on a bases-loaded opportunity with an RBI single. Olive later drew a walk with the bases loaded, forcing in another run.

Mankato pulled within one, making it a 10-9 game, but the rally fell just short. The Steam held on for the 10-9 victory.

The Habaneros return to action tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. for another matchup against the La Crosse Steam.