LA CROSSE, WIS. — The Mankato Habaneros jumped out to an early lead but fell to the La Crosse Steam 12-8 on Saturday night.

Mankato scored five runs in the third inning to take a 6-1 advantage, but La Crosse responded with six runs in the fourth and never looked back.

Ava McKee (Bowling Green State University) paced the Habaneros offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and four RBIs. Katy Olive (Miami University OH) added a two-run homer and finished with two hits.

The Habaneros recorded eight hits and scored eight runs, but the Steam used a 17-hit attack to secure the win.

Mankato will look to bounce back in their next game against the Grand Forks Spitfires Monday the 15th at Albrecht Field.

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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.