Softball Game Preview: Mitchell Kernels vs. Brandon Valley Lynx

The Mitchell Kernels will head out on the road to challenge the Brandon Valley Lynx at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Mitchell has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Mitchell came up short against O'Gorman on Tuesday, falling 16-6. The defeat continues a trend for the Kernels in their meetings with the Knights: they've now lost five in a row.

Malia Reitzel made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. She also put up an RBI, which was her first of the season. Kinsley Herges was another key player, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.

Brandon Valley came out on top against Yankton on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive ten-run first inning. The Lynx were the clear victors by a 19-5 margin over the Bucks/Gazelles. The Lynx might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by nine runs or more this season.

Briley Laber was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, three stolen bases, and five runs. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Peyton Amdahl, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.

Brandon Valley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in three consecutive contests.

Brandon Valley's record now sits at 7-1. As for Mitchell, their loss dropped their record down to 1-4.

Mitchell suffered a grim 13-2 defeat to Brandon Valley in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Can the Kernels avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.