A victory over Bloomington Jefferson Thursday would mean a lot to a Benilde-St. Margaret's squad that is 0-3 against ranked teams this season.
In their 10 victories, the No. 8-3A Red Knights have outscored opponents 105-21. But with a loss already to No. 9-4A Bloomington Jefferson (8-7 on April 20) and another to No. 7-4A Chanhassen (5-0 on May 3), Benilde-St. Margaret's (10-3, 5-2) has a steep hill to climb in the Metro West Conference standings.
In the loss to Jefferson earlier this season, the Red Knights trailed 7-3 until scoring two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to tie the game. The Jaguars scored in the top of the seventh, however, and held on for the victory.
Pitcher Tibby Stewart has 12 RBIs, five doubles and two home runs to go with her 8-2 record, 1.38 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched for the Red Knights. Sophie Melsness and Michelle Doering each have two home runs for Benilde-St. Margaret's.
Lauren Giesen got the win over the Red Knights for Jefferson (11-2, 8-0) in relief. She is the Jaguars' leader at the plate and in the pitching circle. Giesen, a senior pitcher and first baseman, has 20 RBIs and a home run to go with a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA.