Mankato West vs. Faribault
5 p.m., Thursday, May 18

Faribault is in the midst of an impressive season and can validate itself by winning a Big 9 Conference title. With three victories this week, including one over over 11-time conference champion Mankato West on Thursday, the No. 2-3A Falcons can clinch a league championship. 

Faribault (17-0, 9-0) should be confident after defeating the Scarlets 5-4 in a nonconference matchup at the Class 3A, Section 2 Preview Tournament on May 12. Junior Cassie Swanson belted a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and seal a win against the defending Class 3A champions. Swanson, who leads the Falcons with 24 RBI and a .500 batting average, headlines a team with no seniors, which positions Faribault to be a force in the Big 9 for the foreseeable future.

Mankato West (15-2, 9-0) has won the last four conference titles, and to make it five, the Scarlets will need to take care of business against Northfield early in the week before meeting the Falcons.

Despite losing to Faribault just a few days ago, Mankato West has turned in some good performances recently, particularly a 17-0 four-inning win over Worthington and a 10-0 five-inning win over Hutchinson at the tournament.

The Scarlets will likely throw No. 1 pitcher Briggs Carlson against Faribault on Thursday, while Hannah Hastings will be looking to smack another home run against the Falcons.