Elfstrum and Raiders Dominate Pillager in Area Softball Matchup – Brainerd Dispatch

The Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale Raiders showcased their dominance in a Park Region Conference doubleheader against the Pillager Huskies on Thursday, May 2. Sarah Elfstrum led the charge with a stellar performance, going 4-for-7 across two games as the Raiders secured victories of 10-3 and 15-8.

In the first game, Carissa Winscher stood out with a 3-4 performance, while Katie Blaha contributed with a triple and Taylor Johnson went 2-4. Avery Amerud’s pitching prowess earned her the win for BHV. On the Pillager side, Gracie Mudgett managed a single and two walks.

The second game saw Taylor Mitchell and Reagen Ludovissie shine for BHV, each driving in three runs. Ludovissie also excelled in the circle, securing the win for the Raiders. Pillager’s Haleigh Awalt impressed with a 3-3 performance, including a triple, while Hunter Woidyla finished 3-4 with three runs and a double.

Key highlights included Elfstrum’s double, Blaha’s triple, and Woidyla’s double. With the wins, BHV improved to 6-4 in conference play and 7-4 overall, while Pillager fell to 0-6 in conference and 0-8 overall. The next matchups for the teams are Pillager at Ottertail Central and BHV at Menahga.

In another game, the Staples-Motley Cardinals faced a tough loss against the Menahga Braves, with Rachel Kossan standing out with a two-run home run, triple, and a single. Lilly Tyrell added a double for the Cardinals in the 19-9 defeat. Staples-Motley’s overall record now stands at 1-7, with their next game against Osakis.