Softball Game Preview: Dearborn Pioneers vs. Melvindale Cardinals

The Dearborn Pioneers will face off against the Melvindale Cardinals at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Dearborn will be strutting in after a victory while Melvindale will be coming in after a defeat.

Dearborn took a loss when they played away from home back in March, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They put the hurt on Western International with a sharp 12-2 win.

Kaitlyn Ruselink made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit. Ruselink was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Niveen Sleiman

Doubles (Career)

04/04/25 vs Western International	3
03/19/25 @ Grosse Ile	1
05/22/24 vs Edison Academy	1
05/21/24 @ Cabrini	1
05/20/24 vs Brighton	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Niveen Sleiman, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (three). Another player making a difference was Sophia Ball, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Melvindale came up short against Grosse Ile on Friday, falling 16-5.