Mankato West at Mankato East
4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12

The Big 9 Conference title has resided in Mankato since at least 2006, and that’s likely where it will remain this season as West and East look to continue their domination in the league.

Mankato West claimed its third consecutive league title last year with a 15-1 mark, while Mankato East finished tied for second with a 9-2 record. The Cougars won back-to-back conference crowns in 2011 and 2012.

Senior third baseman Maddie Ottmar is one of the top returners for the Scarlets after hitting .308 and finishing with 17 RBI and 15 runs as a junior. Also back in the lineup is sophomore second baseman Emily Veroeven, who hit a team-high .419, had 10 doubles, four home runs and drove in 27 runs and junior catcher Hannah Hastings (27 runs scored, .405 BA).

Mankato West returns starting pitcher Lexi Schoper, who went 15-2 with a 0.73 ERA last year.

The Cougars bring back three pieces from a team that finished 17-7 overall last season. 

Junior catcher Torey Richards, an all-state second team selection who hit .607 with nine home runs and 35 RBI, forms Mankota East's battery with starting pitcher Morgan Keim-Wolfe (8-4 record, 2.27 ERA). Also holding a spot in the lineup is senior Kayla Fingerson, who hit .348 last season.