The Winona State University softball team performed impressively at the Lewis Dome Invitational in Rosemont, Illinois, concluding the tournament with a solid record of 3-1. The Warriors faced off against Grand Valley State, William Jewell, Purdue Northwest, and Lewis University over the course of their four games.
In their opener against Grand Valley State, the Warriors emerged victorious with a close score of 4-3. Sam Keller ignited the team’s offense early, scoring after an error in the outfield. The Warriors padded their lead when Tiegan Mancuso’s walk preceded Keller’s triple, followed by a single from Logan Anderson that drove Keller home. A home run from Braelee Jodarski in the fourth inning set the team up further, holding off a late comeback attempt from the Lakers. Pitcher Izzy Howe excelled on the mound, throwing 6.2 innings and allowing only three runs while striking out three batters.
The second match against William Jewell was a dominant showcase for Winona State, with the Warriors trouncing the Cardinals 10-1. After a slow start, WSU broke the deadlock when Jaden Johnson’s double led to their first run. The team went on an offensive surge, fueled by Keller’s home run and strong performances from Johnson, Jodarski, and Jenna James, contributing to the Warriors’ impressive scoreline. Jayda Berg pitched a complete game, limiting the Cardinals to just one run.
Against Purdue Northwest, the Warriors continued to demonstrate their offensive prowess with a decisive 12-3 victory. Keller was once again a standout, driving in several runs. After jumping to a commanding 9-0 lead, WSU maintained control over the game to secure the win in five innings, with Izzy Howe again showing her strength on the mound.
However, the Warriors faced a setback against Lewis University, losing 6-0. The Flyers capitalized on their scoring opportunities while the Warriors struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, leading to a shutout loss. Despite this defeat, it’s clear that Winona State has the talent and potential to compete strongly throughout the season.
The Warriors will be looking to regroup as they head to Branson, Missouri for the Showtime Classic from February 28 to March 2. With a competitive spirit and strong team dynamics, the Warriors remain hopeful for continued success in future matches.