WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University softball team showed resilience and skill in their doubleheader against UMary on Sunday, April 13. Despite battling poor weather conditions, they clinched two impressive victories at Maynard R. Johnson Field.
In the first game, the Warriors started strong, with Alyssa Woelfel hitting a home run in the bottom of the first inning. The game faced delays due to rain and lightning, but the players stayed focused. When play resumed, the score remained tight at 1-0 until the top of the seventh inning, when Geneveive Hastings tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Indigo Fish stepped up and delivered a walk-off single, allowing Sam Keller to score and sealing the game 2-1 for Winona State. Jayda Berg was solid in the pitcher’s circle, allowing only one earned run across seven innings, with a standout performance of one strikeout and five hits allowed. At the plate, Keller shone with three hits, while Woelfel contributed a home run and Fish drove in the winning run.
The second game saw a brighter sky and an even stronger performance from the Warriors. Fish wasted no time, scoring Keller with a single in the first inning. Bryn Elsenpeter followed with a two-run home run, giving Winona State a 3-0 lead early on. They continued to dominate, with Fish hitting another RBI single and Logan Anderson contributing a sacrifice fly.
By the end of the fifth inning, Winona State had extended their lead to 8-0. Izzy Howe was a force on the mound, striking out nine out of 18 batters and yielding just one hit. The team’s offensive lineup was impressive, with Woelfel, Fish, and Elsenpeter each contributing multiple RBIs.
Beyond the games, it’s interesting to note that collegiate softball has been gaining popularity recently. According to a 2023 National Federation of State High School Associations report, girls’ participation in high school softball reached over 400,000, showcasing the sport’s growth. Social media buzz also highlights exciting player performances, showing just how much fans connect with their teams and stars.
Winona State will next take on Southwest Minnesota State on April 17 before heading to Sioux Falls for a matchup against Augustana University. With their recent success, the Warriors are looking to keep the momentum going on the road.
For more on collegiate softball trends and stats, visit the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) official page here.
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