Grace Johns reached base in all three at-bats, two of them being solidly hit balls that drove in three runs. Anna Stork also had a two-run single that started the scoring for the Panthers.
From there on, Panther pitching shut down Medford. Anna Lundberg started and went two innings. Natalie Aaseth went the final three. They combined to allow no hits and three walks.
Adding one hit each for NRHEG were Alyssa Esplan, Kayley Camerer and Rachel Collins. Kelli Harrington stole two bases and scored two runs.
NRHEG 8, Bl. Prairie 2
The Panthers didn't have the big inning but constantly put pressure on the Blossoms by pushing across a run or two almost each inning at Blooming Prairie Friday.
“We did a great job in getting the leadoff batter on base almost every inning and from there on we had a couple of terrific bunts and two sac flies that were key for us,” said Hupfeld.
The biggest hit was Camerer's double in the third that drove a run in; she would later score herself.
Lundberg did a great job in making Blooming earn their way on. A two-out mistake pitch in the sixth ended up being a two-run home run, but she battled back and the defense was stellar behind her.
Johns was 2-for-3, Camerer 2-for-4. Collins, Harrington, Stork and Torrie Stencel each added one hit.
The Panthers are seeded No. 2 in south half of Section 2A and hosted No. 7 seed TCU Tuesday. A win has the Panthers hosting No. 3 Maple River or No. 6 Waseca Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m., with the winner there playing Saturday at Caswell Park in North Mankato.