The Jackson County Central softball team is hosting Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial in a clash of aspiring state championship contenders on Thursday.
The 3-0 Huskies are ready for their home opener after beating a pair of state-ranked teams in New Ulm Cathedral and Edgerton/SW MN Christian during their season-opening road swing. JCC has a deep roster loaded with experienced talent. Some younger Huskies are already making a mark this year as well. Kelcie Sillman pitched a perfect five-inning game to lead JCC to victory in Edgerton on Tuesday. It was the second run-rule victory in a row for the Huskies.
Huskies head coach Morgan Christopher says they are already finding different ways to win.
JCC is looking to be “back for more” after making the State Tournament for the first time since 2005 last year. The Huskies are ranked fifth in the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association Class AA poll released on April 9th.
The Knights were ranked #6 in that poll and are now off to a 5-0 start. They beat state-ranked Class AAA opponent Mankato West as well as Pipestone Area and St. Clair/Loyola so far. The Knights return several talented players as they seek a third straight trip to the State Tournament later this year.
Coach Christopher says the Huskies want to treat every game like it’s important and that won’t be a challenge on Thursday.
The Huskies and Knights split a pair of one-run matchups over the past two years. Both teams boast a plus-seven run differential so far this season.
Our coverage on Thursday begins at 5:15 with the first pitch at 5:30 p.m. on KKOJ.
FULL COACH INTERVIEW
The Jackson County Central baseball team is visiting Pipestone for a doubleheader.
The 2-2 Huskies are looking to avoid a third straight loss. The 0-2 Arrows are seeking their first win of the season. First pitch of the first game is at 3:30 p.m.
The Martin County West softball team is hosting Madelia.
The 3-0 Mavericks are scoring 11 runs and allowing less than one run per game. The 2-5 Blackhawks are looking to snap a three-game losing streak. First pitch is at 4:30 p.m. at Fox Lake Area Sports Complex.
The Martin County West baseball team is visiting Windom.
The 1-3 Mavericks are looking to avoid back-to-back losses. The 5-1 Eagles are looking for a sixth straight win. First pitch is at 5:00 p.m. at the Windom Recreation Area.