Softball Recap: Denfeld Victorious

Denfeld not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since May 6, 2024 (when they won 14-0). They put the hurt on the Marshall Hilltoppers with a sharp 16-6 win. The victory continues a trend for the Hunters in their matchups with the Hilltoppers: they've now won six in a row.

Noelle Vesel made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. Vesel was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run. That hit marked the first that she has got this season.

In other batting news, Denfeld got a massive performance out of Sara McCormick, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with five stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That RBI was McCormick's first of the season. Ellie Davis was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.

Denfeld always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .692. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Denfeld's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-7. As for Marshall, they are on a nine-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-7.

Denfeld and Marshall could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Minnesota Rankings. The Hunters (ranked 279th) will meet Superior (ranked 61st) at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Marshall will take on Cherry at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday with a big rank disadvantage (293 vs. 77).