This is not only a matchup between two Big 9 Conference heavyweights, but it's also a battle of the past two Class 3A state champions.
Mankato West won the state championship two years ago and finished fourth last season. The Scarlets (1-1, 1-0) enter this week after falling to Class 4A title contender Prior Lake 4-1 on April 12.
For Mankato West, it's all about senior pitcher Briggs Carlson. The University of Northwestern (MN) commit is not only the Scarlets' top pitcher, she also bats leadoff. In the loss to the Lakers, Carlson allowed just two earned runs in the circle and her home run was Mankato West's only offense.
Winona is the defending state champion and looks to repeat despite the graduation of standout pitcher Ashton Hoeppner.
Junior Annika Anderson is tasked with filling Hoeppner's void. Anderson boasts a 9-0 career record with 101 strikeouts in 72.2 innings pitched. She has yet to pitch this season as the Winhawks (0-0) have had six games postponed due to weather.