MANKATO, MINN. – The Mankato Habaneros fell just short in a 7-6 loss to the Grand Forks Spitfires on Friday night at ISG Field.

Mankato took an early 2-0 lead behind RBI hits from Ava McKee (Bowling Green State University) and Ava Parent (University of Wisconsin). Grand Forks responded with six runs over the fourth and fifth innings, powered by two home runs from Mattison Kwarta.

The Habaneros battled back in the fifth as Sailor Hall (Pittsburg State University) launched a two-run homer and Katy Olive (Miami University OH) added a solo shot. Parent tied the game at 6-6 with an RBI in the sixth, but the Spitfires pushed across the go-ahead run in the seventh and held on for the win.

Mankato matched Grand Forks with 13 hits. Parent finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Hall went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs. Brylee Hempey (University of South Dakota) added two hits and a run scored.

Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota) struck out five in 4 1/3 innings, while Hall added two strikeouts in relief.

The Habaneros return to action Saturday night at ISG Field to face the Madison Nightmares. First pitch is at 6:35 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.