Softball | 1/30/2025 11:28:00 AM

Branson, Mo. – For the first time in school history, Minnesota Crookston softball will open up the season in the month of January. Entering their first season under the direction of Ashton Sangster, the Golden Eagles will play six games at the Branson Lead-Off Classic, starting with a doubleheader on Friday.
 
The opponents for the Golden Eagles this weekend include: Upper Iowa (former NSIC foe), Arkansas Tech (Sangster's alma mater) and three brand new opponents for the maroon and gold.
 
How to Follow
Friday
Minnesota Crookston vs East Central University
2 P.M.
Branson, Mo.
Live Stats -- https://ecutigers.com/sidearmstats/softball/summary
 
Minnesota Crookston vs Northwestern Oklahoma State University
4 P.M.
Branson, Mo.
 
Saturday
Minnesota Crookston vs Arkansas Tech
2 P.M.
Branson, Mo.
Famous Dave's Field
 
Minnesota Crookston vs Upper Iowa
4 P.M.
Branson, Mo.
 
Sunday
Minnesota Crookston vs Maryville University
9 A.M.
Branson, Mo.
 
Minnesota Crookston vs Emporia State
11 A.M.
Branson, Mo.
 
Minnesota Crookston
The Golden Eagles will kick-off 2024 with a nice mix of returners and newcomers that should play a role both at the plate and in the circle. Minnesota Crookston won 14 games a year ago, including seven in the Northern Sun. A year ago, The Golden Eagles were able to beat perennial power Winona State for the first time in program history.
 
Offensively, the Golden Eagles are expected to be led by Whitnee Curry (Sr., MIF, Lincoln, Neb.). Curry was named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team a year ago, after leading the Golden Eagles in average, hits, walks and struck out just 17 times in over 140 at-bats. Haley Koch (Sr., C, Mondamin, Iowa), Rayna French (So., C, La Salle, Manitoba) and Sophie Juntunen (Jr., 1B, St. Michael, Minn.) are all back after each starting 40 games for the Golden Eagles in 2024. The Golden Eagles have a number of freshmen that could make an impact, as well.
 
In the circle, the Golden Eagles return some reliable veterans in Alexa Guilford (Jr., P, Crystal City, Manitoba) and Evie Stuck (Sr., P, Papillion, Neb.). Much like the offense, the Golden Eagles pitching staff has underclassmen that should make large impacts, as well.
 
East Central University (21-27 in 2024)
The Tigers and Golden Eagles will meet between the lines this Friday for the first time in both program's history. East Central heads to Branson, Missouri after coming off the 2024 season with a 21-27 record. 
 
Last season, the Tigers posted a team batting average of .260, while their opponents hit .293. Although the team lost eight key contributors from the roster, they're looking to build with their younger team. Seniors Jami Watson and Caton Muncy will be leading the Tigers. 
 
Watson, who played in 48 games and started 39 of them, was a standout last year. She hit .297, racking up 35 hits, six home runs, and 27 RBIs. Muncy, another cornerstone of the lineup, started all 48 games in 2024. She finished with a .264 average, contributing 34 hits and 17 RBIs. Both players are ready to build on their already impressive careers in 2025.
 
On the pitching side, the Tigers will be looking to rebuild after losing the core of their staff from last year. Among the returners is Amera Garner, who made 12 appearances, including one start, and posted a 4.00 ERA. 
 
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (17-33 in 2024)
The next opponent the Golden Eagles will face is the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers for the first time in program history. The Rangers are looking to build on their 2024 season, where they finished with a 17-33 record. The Rangers graduated 9 seniors last season. 

Offensively, the Rangers hit .266 as a team last season while allowing a .320 batting average to opponents. Senior Rachel Sherwood is expected to lead the lineup in 2025 after an outstanding 2024 season. Sherwood played in all 50 games, hitting an impressive .348 with 55 hits, 35 RBIs, and 32 runs scored.

In the circle, the Rangers return just one pitcher from their 2024 roster, Kathryn Jones. Jones, who appeared in 13 games and pitched 15 innings. Jones posted a 9.80 ERA while allowing 21 runs. With a largely new pitching staff, the Rangers will look to find stability as they kick off the season.

Arkansas Tech University (26-21 in 2024)
On Saturday, the Golden Eagles will face the Golden Suns out of Arkansas Tech University, another first for both programs. The Golden Suns posted a 26-21 record last season. The Golden Suns return 16 players and have 12 newcomers, 10 of which are prep ranks. 

Offensively, the Golden Suns will rely on the leadership of their top hitter, Maycie Hardy, heading into the season. Hardy had an impressive 2024 season, posting a .315 batting average with 39 hits, 17 RBIs, and 16 runs scored. Her consistent performance at the plate will be a key factor for the team's success this year.

The Golden Suns bring back a strong core of experienced pitchers, with seniors Bradi Basler, Aidan Dayberry, and Alexis Findley leading the way in the circle. Basler posted a solid 3.25 ERA last season, while Dayberry recorded a 3.54 ERA. Findley led the trio with an impressive 2.75 ERA. This senior pitching staff will make an impact this season. 

Upper Iowa University (17-35 in 2024)
The Golden Eagles' fourth game down south will be against a familiar team, the Upper Iowa Peacocks, a former member of the NSIC. These two teams have faced off a total of 18 times with the Golden Eagles only winning 1 of those matchups. Upper Iowa is looking to improve on a 17-35 record from the 2024 season, returning much of its core roster.

Offensively, the Peacocks hit .252 as a team last season and will once again be led by junior Serah Shafer. Shafer was a consistent presence in 2024, playing in 51 of 52 games. She posted a .295 batting average, a .339 on-base percentage, and tallied 51 hits and 25 runs, ranking second on the team in both categories.

On the mound, Upper Iowa brings back one of their top pitchers, Delaney Vetter. Vetter made 25 starts in 2024, finishing with an 8-16 record, a 4.68 ERA, and 142 innings pitched. Junior Kylie Doty is also expected to contribute valuable innings this season.

Maryville University (23-30 in 2024)
For the first time in program history, the Golden Eagles will square off against the Maryville University Saints. The Saints are coming off a 23-30 season in 2024, which earned them a spot in the GLVC Tournament.
After graduating 10 key seniors, Maryville will lean on junior Jenna Kosnott to lead the offense. Kosnott was a force at the plate last season, hitting .333 with a .406 on-base percentage. She recorded 42 hits and 25 runs. She consistently delivered for the Saints.

On the pitching side, the Saints will rely heavily on graduate student Chayse Ramey, who returns after an impressive 2024 season. Ramey appeared in 38 games, starting 34, and finished with a 16-16 record and a solid 2.98 ERA.

Emporia State University (31-20 in 2024)
The Golden Eagles will wrap up the season opening weekend against the Emporia State Hornets, who posted a 31-20 record in 2024 and reached the MIAA Tournament. The Golden Eagles are 0-4 all-time against the Hornets, including a 9-1 loss in their most recent meeting last season.

Emporia State will look to fill the void left by several key departures, including National Fastpitch Coaches Association First-Team All-Central Region honoree Alexis Dial. Stepping into a leadership role for the Hornets is junior Haley Garnett, who appeared in 43 games last season and hit .238.

The Hornets bring back a talented pitching staff, led by juniors Gracie Rabe, Jayda VanAckeren, and Jordan Harrison. Rabe led the staff with 27 appearances (18 starts), finishing 9-10 with a 2.88 ERA. VanAckeren and Harrison also bring experience, each contributing significantly to the team's success last season.