Softball Game Preview: Mercy Monarchs vs. Gretna Dragons

The Mercy Monarchs will take on the Gretna Dragons at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Mercy took care of business in their home opener (and then some) on Thursday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand South Sioux City a 12-0 shutout.

Chloe Kratz made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Kratz was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI.

Cloe King

Runs Batted In (Career)

08/21/25 vs South Sioux City	5
09/19/24 vs Omaha Central	3
10/07/24 vs Ralston	2
09/30/24 @ Gross Catholic	2
09/24/24 vs Auburn	2

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cloe King, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and five RBI. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. AJ Ersland was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.

Mercy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .650. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as South Sioux City only posted an OBP of .273.

Meanwhile, Gretna had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They came out on top against Norris by a score of 5-1 on Thursday. Winning may never get old, but the Dragons sure are getting used to it with their 39th in a row dating back to last season.

Mercy might still be hurting after the 8-0 defeat they got from Gretna in their previous matchup back in August of 2017. Can the Monarchs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.