The Mankato Habaneros earned a split in Thursday’s doubleheader against the Minot Honeybees, falling 5-0 in the opener before bouncing back with an 8-5 victory in game two.

In game one, the Habaneros were limited to three hits. Sailor Hall (Pittsburgh State University), Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota), and Valerie VanZant (University of Minnesota-Crookston) each recorded a hit for Mankato. Hall also threw a complete game in the circle, striking out five while allowing five runs, four earned, over six innings.

Mankato responded in game two with a five-run first inning and never looked back. Hall went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while Bella Louvar (Des Moines Area CC) added two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs. Ava Parent (University of Wisconsin) scored twice, tripled, and stole a base, while Katy Olive (Miami University – OH) doubled, drove in a run, and stole a bag.

In the circle, Stangl earned the complete-game win, striking out seven over seven innings to help the Habaneros secure the split.

Mankato returns home looking to build on its game-two momentum to face the Honeybees again. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm

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Leveraging the 32-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League that began play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024.  The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play.  Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.