Softball Recap: Six Straight Home Victories for Chatfield

Gophers

Previous 6 Games (Home)

04/24/25 vs Pine Island	14-13
04/17/25 vs Rushford-Peterson	8-1
04/11/25 vs Cotter	10-3
04/08/25 vs Stewartville	2-1
04/04/25 vs St. Charles	7-2
05/20/24 vs Lourdes	10-0

Chatfield had won six straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they bumped their record up to 9-1 to make it seven. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 14-13 victory over the Pine Island Panthers. The high-scoring effort was just what the Gophers needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.

Katryn Johnson made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off eight hits. Johnson was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and one run.

In other batting news, Makenna Dornack was incredible, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Brynn Horsman, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.

Chatfield kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

As for Pine Island, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-8. On the bright side, the 13- run performance marked their highest-scoring contest to date.

On Pine Island's side, Jenna Schleusner made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four RBI and one double. That double was Schleusner's first of the season. Evie Nold was another key player, earning four runs.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Chatfield will challenge Plainview-Elgin-Millville at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bulldogs have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed ten runs per game on average), something the Gophers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Pine Island, they are taking a road trip to take on Randolph at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.