Softball Recap: Merrillville Takes a Loss

Merrillville extended their losing streak to six on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 1-15 in the process. They lost 18-1 to the Portage Indians. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Indians this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 21-0 on April 8th.

Merrillville saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Shaniya Jamerson, who went 1-for-2 with one run.

As for Portage, their win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-7. Considering they have won five contests by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

On Portage's side, Duncan Krenkel made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Those six strikeouts gave Krenkel a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.

In other batting news, Miley Prance was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with three runs and four RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. Breanna Reed was another key player, going a perfect 5-for-5 with two runs and two RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Merrillville will host Crown Point at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Bulldogs will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something the Pirates surely won't give up without a fight. As for Portage, they will face off against Valparaiso at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Indians are facing the Vikings at the right time seeing as the Vikings are stuck on a four-game losing streak.