These Minnesota River Conference foes are each off to slow starts, but both look to change that starting with their doubleheader on Tuesday.
Mayer Lutheran's (2-5, 1-2) early struggles include a 7-1 loss to Tri-City United last Thursday.
To get on the winning track, the Crusaders can turn to their upperclassmen, such as senior catcher Mya Chmielewski. She has been the standout for Mayer Lutheran in recent seasons, including when she led the Crusaders with four triples, two home runs and 25 RBI a year ago.
Norwood-Young America has yet to win a game this season. Expectations were high for the Raiders (0-2, 0-2) entering this season considering they graduated just one player from last season's squad that won 19 games.
To pick up the pace, Norwood-Young America can look to junior pitcher Sadie Erickson. She has been a bright spot at the plate early this season, going 3-for-4 with four RBI in a 9-5 loss to LeSueur-Henderson on April 24.
-- Second game to follow.