Softball Game Preview: Deer Creek-Mackinaw Chiefs vs. Fieldcrest Knights

Deer Creek-Mackinaw hasn't had much luck against Fieldcrest recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Chiefs will be playing at home against the Knights at 4:30 p.m. Deer Creek-Mackinaw is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.

While Deer Creek-Mackinaw's victory against Eureka wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Chiefs skirted past the Hornets 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Chiefs have posted since May 11, 2024.

Mackenzie Knowles

Batters Struck Out

04/07/25 vs Morton	1
03/28/25 @ Havana	5
04/03/25 vs Illini Bluffs	5
03/31/25 vs Tremont	6
04/08/25 vs Farmington	7

Mackenzie Knowles spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up ten Ks. Those ten strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.

On the hitting side, Brykleigh Kraft was excellent, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Lexi Cottingham, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.

Meanwhile, Fieldcrest was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat dating back to last season. They lost 17-8 to El Paso-Gridley.

The victory got Deer Creek-Mackinaw back to even at 4-4. As for Fieldcrest, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.

Deer Creek-Mackinaw came up short against Fieldcrest in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, falling 7-2. Will the Chiefs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.