Softball Recap: Albert Lea Comes Up Short

Albert Lea extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to ten on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 0-7 in the process. They came up short against the Mankato West Scarlets, falling 17-3. If the Tigers were looking for revenge after losing 14-1 to the Scarlets when the teams met back in April of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Hannah Schuhmacher was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one double. That double was her first of the season.

As for Mankato West, their victory bumped their record up to 5-3. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by ten runs or more this season.

On Mankato West's side, Evelyn Erickson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Erickson has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

In other batting news, Lyla Baker and Lydia Banse did most of the damage at the plate: Baker went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Banse went 2-for-3 with one home run and five RBI. Jillian Olsen was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs, two RBI, and one double.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Albert Lea will challenge rival John Marshall at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Meanwhile, Mankato West is set to square off against their familiar foe Red Wing at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.