The Valders Vikings will take on the New Holstein Huskies on Thursday. Valders' pitching crew has only allowed 3.7 runs per game this season, so New Holstein's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Valders can't be too worried about heading out to take on New Holstein: they just beat Wrightstown at home, who had been dominant on their own field up to that point. The Vikings beat the Tigers on Tuesday by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 8-4. The victory continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won six in a row.
Megan Hochkammer
| 05/26/26 @ Wrightstown | 9 |
| 05/18/26 vs Two Rivers | 13 |
| 05/14/26 vs Chilton | 9 |
| 05/12/26 @ New Holstein | 10 |
| 05/08/26 @ Reedsville | 9 |
| + 15 more games |
Megan Hochkammer was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 20 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Anna Olson was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Kyra Kocian also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Meanwhile, New Holstein had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They came out on top against Kiel by a score of 5-2 on Tuesday.
Like Valders, New Holstein also got a great game from a two-way player: Makayla Meyer. She pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meyer was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Natalie Wagner, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Valders' record now sits at 14-10. As for New Holstein, their record is now 20-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Valders has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like New Holstein struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Valders couldn't quite get it done against New Holstein in their previous matchup two weeks ago as they fell 5-0. Can the Vikings avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
