Softball Game Preview: Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars vs. Mille Lacs co-op [Isle/Onamia] Huskies

The Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars will venture away from home to take on the Mille Lacs co-op [Isle/Onamia] Huskies at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Hinckley-Finlayson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Hinckley-Finlayson turned things around against McGregor on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 25-2 margin over the Mercuries. The result was nothing new for the Jaguars, who have now won four contests by six runs or more so far this season.

Natalie Stafne was a standout: she went 4-for-5 with four runs, five RBI, and two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. Riley Scott was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple.

Hinckley-Finlayson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .692. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Mille Lacs co-op [Isle/Onamia] was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They took a 10-7 hit to the loss column at the hands of Barnum.

Paige Strecker made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. That home run was her first of the season.

Mille Lacs co-op [Isle/Onamia]'s defeat dropped their record down to 5-10. As for Hinckley-Finlayson, their victory bumped their record up to 5-7.

Hinckley-Finlayson took their win against Mille Lacs co-op [Isle/Onamia] when the teams last played back in April by a conclusive 9-3 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Jaguars since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.