Mankato Loyola vs. New Ulm Cathedral
5 p.m., Thursday, May 18

Mankato Loyola (11-5, 8-0) enters the final week of the regular season on the heels of a disappointing showing at the Jackson County Central Tournament on May 13. The Crusaders lost to Jackson County Central 5-2 and to Delano 4-2 before closing the tournament with a 4-0 victory over Murray County Central.

However, Mankato Loyola is capable of putting together some stellar displays. Rae Dose went 3-for-3 with a home run while Kenady Benning went 2-for-2 and allowed just one hit in a 17-0 four-inning victory over Martin Luther/Granada-Huntley-East Chain on May 12.

New Ulm Cathedral (13-1, 9-1) is on a nine-game winning streak since losing to Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s 4-1 on May 2. The No. 6-1A Greyhounds have averaged more than 11 runs a game this season and haven't scored fewer than 11 in the last four contests.

The offense is spread out for New Ulm Cathedral, as evidenced by RBI base hits from Mason Brand, Allison Beranek, McKenna Berdan and Aleah Guggisberg in a 14-6 victory over Wabasso on May 11.