BRODHEAD — Juda-Albany and the Brodhead Cardinals opened their softball seasons with a nonconference game on Thursday, March 26. The game was called on account of darkness after seven innings and declared a 5-5 tie. 

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning when the Cardinals scored two runs. Brodhead increased their lead to 4-0 with two more runs in the sixth inning. But, Jubany rallied with five runs in the top of the seventh inning. A three-run triple by sophomore Ryleigh Brown was the big hit as Juda-Albany took a 5-4 lead. Brodhead tied it in the bottom of the seventh inning before the game was called.

Brodhead was led by Keegan Steinke, who went 2x4 and scored two runs. Sophomore Mady Henning pitched all seven innings for the Cardinals, giving up five runs, but only one earned run. Henning struck out 18 batters and walked just three. 

Brown led Juda-Albany at the plate by going 2x4 and three RBIs. She also pitched four and-a-third innings and gave up two runs with three strikeouts and one walk. Phoenix Homan, Emerson Briggs, and Emersen Butts each scored a run for Juda-Albany. 

Brodhead (0-0-1) will travel to Turner while Juda-Albany hosts Deerfield in a nonconference game on Thursday, April 2.

River Ridge 9, Darlington 0

BLOOMINGTON — The Darlington Redbirds kicked off their softball season with a 9-0 loss on the road at River Ridge in nonconference action on Thursday, March 26.

The Redbirds were able to get just two hits, one by freshman Ali Wineland and one by sophomore Isabelle Winkers against the Timberwolves. Senior Sydney Wiegel pitched for the Redbirds and gave up nine runs, eight earned, with five strikeouts and eight walks. 

Darlington (0-1) hosted Pecatonica in a nonconference game scheduled on Tuesday, March 31.