The Markesan Hornets are taking a road trip to square off against the Westfield Area Pioneers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Westfield Area took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Markesan, who comes in off a win.
Markesan will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run last Friday, then bounced right back against Montello on Thursday. The Hornets blew past the Hilltoppers 17-1. The Hornets' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Hannah Stellmacher
| 04/17/25 @ Montello | 9 |
| 04/10/25 vs Pardeeville | 3 |
| 04/08/25 @ Green Lake/Princeton | 7 |
| 04/03/25 @ Randolph | 5 |
| 05/10/24 @ Montello | 8 |
| 05/03/24 vs Wayland Academy | 11 |
Hannah Stellmacher was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in May of 2024. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ali Kirker, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Lauren Moldenhaur, who went 3-for-5 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 11 runs the game before, Westfield Area was a bit more limited in their matchup on Thursday. They took a 7-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Nekoosa. Surprisingly, this marked the Pioneers' fourth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Natalee Meinke spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and four unearned) runs on six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Westfield Area saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Izzy Nelson, who went 1-for-3 with one run.
Markesan's win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-4. As for Westfield Area, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-6.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Markesan has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .478. However, it's not like Westfield Area struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Markesan's way against Westfield Area in their previous meeting back in April of 2023, as Markesan made off with a 10-4 victory. Will the Hornets repeat their success, or do the Pioneers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
