The Hazen Bison will challenge the Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] Cougars at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Hazen will be strutting in after a victory while Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] will be coming in after a defeat.
Having struggled with five losses in a row, Hazen turned things around against Garrison on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 15-2 margin over the Troopers.
Ava Jungers was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Jungers was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and one double. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Alissa Johnson was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Mattea Hysjulien was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Cougars on Tuesday. Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] fell just short of Heart River co-op [Belfield/South Heart] by a score of 10-9. Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Daphne Lauer made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Brooklyn Tomlinson, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Hazen's win was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-5 and their overall record up to 2-8. As for Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky], their defeat dropped their record down to 3-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hazen has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .500. However, it's not like Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] struggles in that department as they've averaged .519. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hazen suffered a grim 26-3 defeat to Central McLean [Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky] in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Bison have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
