ROCHESTER — The Minnesota West softball team is off to a 1-2 start after a crossover tournament at the RCTC Dome last weekend. The Lady Jays began with a commanding 20-3 victory over Vermilion Community College, but faced heartbreak in back-to-back one-run losses to Rochester and Central Lakes.
After a Tuesday doubleheader back in Rochester against RCTC, the Lady Jays will head to Fergus Falls to take on M State’s club team on Saturday.
Here’s a recap of last weekend’s games.
Saturday: Minnesota West 20, Vermilion CC 3
In a dominant performance, Minnesota West cruised past Vermilion thanks to an explosive 11-run first inning. The Jays added five more runs in the second inning, three in the third, and one in the fourth to close out the game in just five innings. The Lady Jays totaled 12 hits and 11 walks in 27 at-bats against Vermilion.
Faith Kazemba and Maddie Petersen each hit home runs in the game, showcasing their power at the plate. Eight Lady Jays contributed hits, with Hannah Kazemba, Faith Kazemba, Petersen, and Cassandra Boyum leading the charge with two hits each. Faith Kazemba finished with an impressive five runs batted in, while Petersen also drove in five runs. Raya Van Beek and Gracie Nath each contributed three RBIs.
Kya Alderson was stellar in the circle, throwing three innings without allowing a hit and striking out seven batters. Hannah Kazemba pitched the final two innings, striking out three more. The Lady Jay pitching staff limited Vermilion to just three hits and one walk, while the pitching for Vermilion gave up 14 earned runs and finished with four strikeouts in four innings.
Sunday: Rochester 13, Minnesota West 12
In a thrilling high-scoring affair that went into extra innings, Rochester edged out Minnesota West 13-12. The Yellowjackets trailed 12-11 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, but Jayda Bednarek’s RBI single tied the game, and Bailey Monson followed with a single to clinch the victory.
Rochester recorded 14 hits in the game, earning just its second win of the season after starting 0-12. The Lady Jays struck first, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning with a sacrifice fly from Faith Kazemba and an RBI single from Van Beek.
However, Rochester responded with a barrage of eight runs, five in the bottom of the first and three more in the second inning, taking an 8-2 lead. Not to be outdone, Minnesota West went on a scoring spree, racking up nine consecutive runs over the next three innings to take an 11-8 lead.
Boyum kickstarted the rally with an RBI single in the third inning, followed by a fielder’s choice that allowed two runs to score. Petersen later advanced to third on an error and scored on a wild pitch, capping off a four-run inning. Faith Kazemba added another RBI single to trim the deficit to one run.
The Lady Jays then exploded for four more runs in the top of the sixth, with Hannah Kazemba hitting a two-RBI double that gave Minnesota West its first lead since the first inning. RBI hits from Alderson and Faith Kazemba extended the lead to 11-8.
But Rochester wasn’t finished; they responded with three RBI singles in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game again. After a scoreless seventh, the game went to extra innings. Hannah Kazemba capped off a stellar 4-for-4 day with an RBI single in the top of the eighth, putting Minnesota West ahead 12-11.
Unfortunately, the Lady Jays couldn’t seal the deal as Rochester rallied once more to secure the win. Boyum finished with three hits, while Faith Kazemba had two. The Lady Jays amassed 14 hits and drew nine walks in 35 plate appearances but left 12 runners on base. Nath pitched a complete game, striking out nine batters.
Sunday: Central Lakes 4, Minnesota West 3
The Lady Jays faced another tough loss against Central Lakes, falling 4-3 in a closely contested game. Minnesota West scored the first run in the bottom of the second inning, but Central Lakes responded with three runs in the top of the third and added another run in the fourth to take control.
Despite trailing 4-1, the Lady Jays made a valiant effort, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth to narrow the gap to just one run. However, they couldn't complete the comeback. The Raiders finished with four hits, four walks, and three RBIs against Minnesota West.
Pitcher Kaitlyn Geschwill struck out 10 Lady Jays while allowing just three earned runs. Boyum, Petersen, and Faith Kazemba each contributed a hit for Minnesota West, with Alderson driving in an RBI. Alderson also pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters.
The Lady Jays will look to bounce back in their upcoming games after a challenging start to the season. With their next matches on the horizon, the team is determined to improve and build momentum.
