Habaneros Fall to Spitfires in Home Opener
Published on June 18, 2026 under Northwoods League Softball (NWLS)
Mankato Habaneros News Release
MANKATO, MINN. - The Mankato Habaneros took the field at ISG Field for the first time this season Thursday night, opening a two-game series against the Grand Forks Spitfires.
Grand Forks struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. After a scoreless second, the Spitfires added another run in the third to extend their advantage to 2-0.
The Spitfires continued to build momentum offensively, breaking the game open with a three-run home run in the fourth inning to take a 5-0 lead.
The Habaneros got on the board in the fifth inning when Brylee Hempy (University of South Dakota) crossed home plate. Mankato added another run later in the inning on a bases-loaded walk, allowing Ava Parent (University of Wisconsin) to score.
The Habaneros continued to chip away at the deficit as Sailor Hall (Pittsburg State University) scored on an RBI from Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota).
Mankato capitalized on a Grand Forks error in the sixth inning, with Skylinn Pogue (Ball State University) scoring to cut the deficit to 5-4.
Grand Forks responded in the seventh with another three-run home run, extending its lead to 8-4. The Habaneros answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning but could not complete the comeback, falling 8-5.
The Habaneros return to action Friday (June 19) for the second game of the series against the Spitfires. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at ISG Field.
Northwoods League Softball Stories from June 18, 2026
- Ignite Walk-Off Honey Bees 8-6 off of Sosa, 3-Run Homer - Wausau Ignite
- Habaneros Fall to Spitfires in Home Opener - Mankato Habaneros
- Night Mares Hit Four Home Runs in Dominant Win - Madison Night Mares
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