MEGAN DANIELSON

Mounds View, softball

By its nature, softball is a pitcher's game. So it's not unusual to see a pitcher win five games in a week, as Danielson did last week.

What makes Danielson's week stand out is that she did it without a loss against five foes from the Suburban East, one of the metro's toughest softball conferences.

In 35 innings, she posted a 2.23 ERA and struck out 41 batters.

"That was pretty satisfying," said Danielson, who is in her fourth year pitching for the Mustangs, her second as the team's ace. "The conference has really good competition and we're all pretty equal. They're hard to beat."

As if her pitching was not enough, Danielson came through at the plate as well, hitting .389 for the week with three home runs and nine RBI.

"I've been hitting pretty well in practice, but I never expected to hit three home runs," Danielson admitted.

It wasn't dominant stuff or a streak of luck working for Danielson, she said. It was her veteran savvy, and that sophistication bodes well for the Mustangs for the remainder of the season.

"I might throw a little harder than I used to, but it's more knowing how to pitch to certain batters," she said. "I'm more experienced now. I know how to deal with pressure."

LEXI BOLLANT

Buffalo, golf

In her first two meets of the season, the sophomore was co-medalist in a nine-hole conference match and took first place in the Becker Bulldog Invite, shooting a 1-under-par 71 -- two birdies, 15 pars and a bogey -- at Pebble Creek Golf Course.

PAT MINES

Lakeville North, lacrosse

Normally the Panthers' defensive stalwart, Mines scored two goals in a 7-2 victory over Owatonna and then shut down Farmington's high-scoring Mitch Collier in a 9-4 victory over the Tigers.

EMILY ENGELMEIER

South St. Paul, softball

The senior pitcher went 3-0 last week, shutting out Simley 4-0 and Henry Sibley 7-0 and beating Richfield 14-2, striking out 34 batters. She also hit .500 (6-for-12) and drove in nine runs.

MATT OLSON

St. Croix Lutheran, baseball

The starting quarterback on the Crusaders' Class 3A champion football team is also an accomplished pitcher. In 11 innings, he has struck out 21 and has not given up a hit, highlighted by a 1-0 no-hitter over St. Paul Como Park.

BECKY SMITH

Orono, softball

The sophomore shortstop was a tough out last week. In three victories she went 8-for-11 with three RBI and five runs scored, including the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Mound-Westonka.

ANGUS STOUDT

Minnetonka, track and field

Stoudt helped the Skippers to the championship of the Lake Conference Relays with meet-best performances in the triple jump (45-33/4), the 300 hurdles (39.75) and anchoring the winning 4x400 relay team (3:26.52).

JIM PAULSEN