Softball Game Preview: Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Red Hawks vs. Onalaska Hilltoppers

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau is on a five-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Onalaska is on a five-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Red Hawks will host the Hilltoppers at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

On Thursday, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau made easy work of Westby and carried off a 10-4 victory. The Red Hawks haven't had any issues with the Norsemen recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

While Onalaska didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Holmen on Tuesday as they made off with a 13-3 victory. That's two games straight that the Hilltoppers have won by exactly ten runs.

Sydney Kraus 2028 made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three doubles, two RBI, and one run. Those doubles were her first of the season.

In other batting news, Onalaska got a massive performance out of Qita Olson 2025, who went 3-for-5 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Zoey Lichty 2027 was another key player, going 4-for-5 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.

Onalaska kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive matchups.

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau's win bumped their record up to 5-1. As for Onalaska, their victory bumped their record up to 7-2.

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau took their win against Onalaska in their previous matchup back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 13-6 score. Do the Red Hawks have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hilltoppers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.