Denfeld hasn't had much luck against Superior recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Hunters will head out on the road to challenge the Spartans at 4:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Denfeld not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since May 6, 2024 (when they won 14-0). Everything went their way against Marshall as they made off with a 16-6 victory. The Hunters haven't had any issues with the Hilltoppers recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Noelle Vesel was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. Vesel was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run. That hit was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Denfeld got a massive performance out of Sara McCormick, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with five stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That RBI marked the first that McCormick has brought in this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Ellie Davis, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
Denfeld always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .692. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Superior came tearing into Monday's match with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.6 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 10-9 W against the Cardinals.
Like Denfeld, Superior also got a great game from a two-way player: Melania Luostari. She pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, Luostari posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in May of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Paige 'Peeps' Johnson was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Arianna Robillard, who went 3-for-4 with three runs and one double.
Superior's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-4. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Denfeld, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-7.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Denfeld has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .459. However, it's not like Superior struggles in that department as they've averaged .485. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Denfeld might still be hurting after the 13-2 loss they got from Superior in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Hunters avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
