Habaneros Split Games in Doubleheader with Steam
Published on July 4, 2026 under Northwoods League Softball (NWLS)
Mankato Habaneros News Release
MANKATO, MN - The Mankato Habaneros split a doubleheader against the La Crosse Steam on Saturday at ISG Field, cruising to a 16-3 victory in Game 1 before falling 10-4 in Game 2.
The Steam took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning of Game 1.
Ava Parent (University of Wisconsin) tripled to spark the offense before Olivia Pichardo (University of California) launched a two-run home run to tie the game at 2-2. Mankato continued the rally by scoring four more runs in the inning to take a 6-2 lead.
Pichardo added her second home run of the game in the second inning, and the Habaneros tacked on two more runs to extend the lead to 9-2.
La Crosse scored once in the third, but Mankato responded with seven runs in the bottom of the inning to build a 16-3 advantage. The game ended after five innings due to the Northwoods League Softball 10-run rule.
The Steam took control early in Game 2 and never relinquished the lead.
La Crosse jumped out to a 3-0 advantage in the first inning before adding five runs in the third to stretch its lead to 9-0. The Steam held the Habaneros scoreless until the fifth inning.
Mankato broke through in the fifth after an RBI single by Sailor Hall (Pittsburg State University) highlighted a four-run inning. However, Avary Mackarewicz answered with a home run for La Crosse to extend the lead to 10-4, which stood as the final score.
The Habaneros return to action Sunday when they travel to La Crosse for the final game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.
Northwoods League Softball Stories from July 4, 2026
- Madison Night Mares Sweep Fourth of July Doubleheader - Madison Night Mares
- Habaneros Split Games in Doubleheader with Steam - Mankato Habaneros
- Ignite Fall, 12-8, to Spitfires - Wausau Ignite
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