Little Falls Recap (April 23)
Sartell Softball hosted its cancer awareness night on Thursday, April 23, to support those who have been affected, raise awareness, and to honor those who have been impacted by this disease. The Sabres continue their current win streak of 5.
The girls decided to wear pink socks and belts in order to show their support, and made donations of a minimum of $5 dollars for wearing them. The opposing team, Little Falls Flyers, also wore pink socks to show their support for the cause.
Sartell softball is leading off another impressive season with an 8-2 box score, securing another win to elevate the score to 9-2.
Battling cold and windy weather every game, these girls are pulling through and continuing to make themselves known across Minnesota. As of April 30th, Sartell Softball is ranked 4th in the 3A section.
During the first inning, the Flyers score one, and the Sabres score 4. (4-1) A good lead for the Sabres, which leads to a quick top of the 2nd with 3 strikeouts and 1 single from the Flyers. The Sabres are quick and hungry for some more runs. Ashlyn Justin starts off and singles on a ground to 3rd. The Sabres go through the entire lineup scoring 7 more runs this inning. (11-1)
As the weather continues to grow cold, the Flyers get a bat on the ball and score 4 runs. Bottom of the 3rd, Marni Koosman is up and singles on a ground ball to left field. She advances by stealing 2 bases during Lauren Morse’s at-bat. By 2 outs, Lydia Woehl hits a ground ball and singles on an error by the third baseman, causing Marni to score. (12-5)
Leading to another quick inning with 3 outs straight for the Sabres. The Sabres were ready to end this cold game with a W. In the bottom of the 4th, the Sabres scored 3 more runs. (15-5)
At the top of the 5th, another quick inning as the Flyers gained 3 outs with 1 single from a hit by pitch. Leading to the defeat of the Little Falls Flyers and another victorious night for the Sabres.
Cancer Awareness Night Breakdown
Before the season began, coaches and captains met, and one thing that was important to everyone was using these games to play for something bigger than themselves and the program through Mental Health Awareness and Cancer Awareness games. Assistant Coach Matt Darling helped put together a cancer awareness charity event by using his connections with the Masonic organizations to create a bigger impact for those at the game and those who were donating to it.
Assistant Coach Matt Darling answers a few questions about the purpose of the game, and why John Schwietz, CEO of MN Masonic Charities, and Dr. Pennell, Immunologist at the University of Minnesota, and dedicated member of Masonic Cancer Center, were at the game on April, 23.
Darling shares, “John Schwietz and Dr. Pennell were at the game because they have both been deeply involved in supporting these efforts and helping connect our program with organizations that truly make a difference. We also wanted to make sure that what we were doing had a real purpose behind it. You can’t just ‘donate to cancer.’ We wanted to support people, research, and organizations that are actively helping families and communities impacted by it.
What we really wanted people to know coming out of this game is that no one is alone. Cancer impacts nearly everyone in some way. I believe Dr. Pennell shared that close to 40% of people will be impacted by some type of cancer during their lifetime, which shows just how close this issue is to all of us.
Seeing the players compete for family members and loved ones who have been diagnosed, lost to cancer, are currently fighting, or have survived it was a reminder that there are things much bigger than softball itself. The game gave us an opportunity to come together as a community, support one another, and bring awareness to something that touches so many lives.
When people are personally connected to a cause, they are willing to support it financially because they understand the impact it can have. The money raised from this event will truly make a difference for someone, and that makes what we did even more meaningful.”
Senior, Keeley Guggisberg, says she was playing for her grandpa, who has multiple types of cancer. She and Brynn Darling both agree that “it’s important to spread awareness and to raise money for further cancer research.”
Dr. Pennell: Immunologist at the University of Minnesota and a dedicated member of the Masonic Cancer Center for more than 30 years. He currently serves as the Associate Director for Training and Education, where he plays a vital role in developing and mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Pennell has built a strong and enduring relationship with the Masons of Minnesota, frequently leading outreach efforts across the state to highlight the impact of their philanthropy and deepen their connection to the Cancer Center’s mission.
John Schwietz: CEO of MN Masonic Charities
Fergus Falls Recap (May 7)
On Thursday, May 7th, the Sabres took on the Fergus Falls Otters, another quick 5-inning game. Lydia Woehl begins pitching, and the Sabres collect 3 outs within the first 3 batters, 2 outs made by Kate Thompson, and a strikeout from Lydia. The Sabres are quick to secure some runs. Kate triples on a line drive to right field. Brynn steps up and hits a sacrifice fly out to right, causing Kate to score. The Sabres continue to put the ball in play and score 3 runs before heading back to the field. (3-0)
The Otters up to bat, strikeout, and get a single on a ground ball to left field. 3rd up to bat sacrifices a bunt and advances the runner to 2nd. The Sabres collect their 3rd out on a drop 3rd strike, and are up to bat in the bottom of the 2nd. A quick inning for the Sabres, only scoring 1 run before falling to 3 outs. (4-0)
Top of the 3rd and the otters get a hold of the ball, but fall to 3 pop outs. The Sabres continue to put the ball in play and score 3 runs (7-0)
The Otters continue to battle and put the bat on it as P Wolden singles on a line drive to center field. The next batter gets walked, before the Sabres collect 3 quick outs. The Sabres are back up to bat, Aubrey Simones gets walked, and Tessa Hilsgen lines out to center field. Reese Koosman is up, through her at bat, Aubrey gradually advances to third before scoring on a single by Reese. The Sabres collect 2 runs before going back to the field. (9-0).
Leading to another quick inning, the otters pop out 3 times, and the Sabres are up to bat for the last time this game. They collect 1 more run in the bottom of the 5th and end the game, 10-0.
