Ignite Light Up Scoreboard with Statement Opening Day Win

Wausau, WI- It was a night to remember for the newest member of the Northwoods League, as the Ignite sparked a run-rule victory over the La Crosse Steam, 12-2 (6 Inn.). Maren Sauvageau (North Iowa Area CC) earned herself the win in the circle with a strong 6 IP, allowing eight hits and only 1 ER.

The stage was set for the opening day showdown with a packed and rowdy Athletic Park crowd, who were more than ready to get their first look at the team. The Ignite wasted no time getting the party started, putting up three runs in the first inning, with two coming off a Mia Johnson (UW-Parkside) home run to centerfield.

La Crosse snapped back in the third thanks to Grace Frechette, who hit an RBI double and crossed home plate herself with an unearned run, making it 3-2. In the bottom of the inning, however, Wausau returned their lead to two with a Molly Fitzgerald (Missouri-KC) single and an RBI walk from Hannah Trzinski (Minnesota-Crookston) to bring home Johnson, keeping the pressure on the Steam.

It was in the sixth that the Ignite brought the crowd to their feet, putting up a seven-run frame to send La Crosse home an inning early. Johnson hit her second home run of the game to bring in three, before Megan Mcginnis (St. Mary’s MN) called game with a two-RBI double. 

The Steam couldn’t find a way to stop the fiery Ignite offense, and fall to 0-1 to start the season. They will look to bounce back in their home opener against the Mankato Habeneros Wednesday night.

The Ignite had a storybook opening night, earning their first win in franchise history in the first game of the league season. They will stay at home and face the Madison Night Mares on Wednesday, with first pitch coming at 6:35 pm CT.

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Leveraging the 31-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 beginning 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.