You never really know what to expect on opening day, especially with a team that’s still getting to know each other, but the girls played together really well. Our bats were on fire, and our defense was pretty spot on.”

Head coach Becca Sorenson

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The girls have another home game this week on Apr. 10 at 4:30 p.m. vs Two Rivers. They host Rosemount on Apr. 12 at noon then they host North St. Paul on Apr. 15 before traveling to Hill-Murray on Apr. 17. Both of those are scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Despite wet field conditions and some early-season confusion, the Hastings Raiders girls’ softball team started their 2025 season with a bang on Friday, May 4. Taking on the Tartan Titans at home, the Raiders powered their way to an 11-1 win in six innings—marking a memorable debut for new head coach Becca Sorenson.

The field may not have been perfect, but the Raiders’ bats certainly were. Hastings jumped out with two runs in the first inning and continued to pile on the offense. Standout performances included Clare Rieder going 3-for-3 with a double, Lauren Meyer contributing a 2-for-3 performance with a double and two RBIs, and Leighton Robinson nearly hitting for the cycle with a single, double, and triple while driving in four runs. Rachel Notch also chipped in with two RBIs.

On the mound, Haley Strain was dominant, picking up right where she left off last season. The returning pitcher struck out seven and gave up just one run in a strong start.

“It felt really good all the way around,” Sorenson said after the game. “You never really know what to expect on opening day, especially with a team that’s still getting to know each other, but the girls played together really well. Our bats were on fire, and our defense was pretty spot on.”

This game marked Sorenson’s first as the head coach of the varsity team, though she’s no stranger to the program. With 15 years of coaching experience overall, Sorenson has spent the last four seasons with Hastings, previously coaching at the JV level.

“I started when these seniors were freshmen,” she shared. “So, I’ve had the chance to coach a lot of these girls already. It’s nice to move up with them. The intensity level is definitely higher at the varsity level—both in practice and in games—but it’s been a natural transition.”

While there was plenty to celebrate, Sorenson also noted a few areas for growth. “We’ve got some things to clean up, like our base running. There were a couple decisions on the bases that we could’ve made differently, but that’s all part of the early-season learning curve,” she said. “They’re learning me as a new coach, I’m learning them, and we’re just taking it one day at a time.”

The game did have a moment of confusion that caught the attention of fans and even left the dugout asking questions. A mix-up involving a bobbled ball, a runner advancing to third, and an interference call led to some lineup confusion in the next inning.

“It got a little tricky with the rules,” Sorenson explained. “The catcher’s throw hit our batter as she was exiting the box, and by rule, the closest runner to home is out. The umpire’s communication made it seem like the batter was out instead, so we ended up batting out of order the next inning. It was a weird one, but we’ll learn from it.”

Sorenson acknowledged the complexities of high school softball rules, especially with some changes this year, but emphasized the importance of staying mentally tough and focused, regardless of what happens on the field.

“The key is not letting calls, right or wrong, affect your mindset. We just have to shake it off and stay ready for the next play.”

As far as first games go, it was a promising start to what could be an exciting season for the Raiders under new leadership. With strong bats, solid defense, and a coach ready to guide them through the ups and downs, Hastings has plenty to look forward to.

The girls have another home game this week on Apr. 10 at 4:30 p.m. vs Two Rivers. They host Rosemount on Apr. 12 at noon then they host North St. Paul on Apr. 15 before traveling to Hill-Murray on Apr. 17. Both of those are scheduled for 4:30 p.m.