Softball Recap: Grand Forks Central Comes Up Short

Grand Forks Central had lost five straight at home, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 0-8 to make it six. They came up short against Horace, falling 21-8. The Knights were not able to make up for their loss to Horace from their previous meeting back in April of 2024.

Sydney Tollefson and Bailey Tebelius did some serious damage despite the final result: Tollefson went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double, while Tebelius went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. That run was Tebelius' first of the season. Another player making a difference was Ryan Melicher, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.

As for Horace, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 3-0. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 14.0 runs this season.

On Horace's side, Whitney Nystrom was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Nystrom was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-5 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Nystrom is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tristyn Struck, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with one home run, five stolen bases, and five runs. Struck is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Austi Brandt, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles.

We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Grand Forks Central will take on rival Fargo North at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Horace is set to face off against their familiar foe Sheyenne at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.