Hastings Raiders softball team opened the 2026 season with a busy four game stretch from April 7 through April 10, alternating wins and losses to finish the first week with a 2-2 overall record. Hastings opened the season at home against South St. Paul on Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30 p.m., then played at Two Rivers on Wednesday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. after a schedule swap due to field conditions. The Raiders remained on the road Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. against Mahtomedi before returning home Friday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. to face Farmington. Early season moisture issues around the varsity field forced adjustments to the opening schedule, including moving the opener to the junior varsity field and switching the Two Rivers game location.
Hastings opened the season with a 13-11 win over South St. Paul on April 7 in a high scoring game that featured steady offensive pressure from both teams. The Raiders collected multiple hits throughout the lineup and created scoring chances with aggressive baserunning and timely contact. Leighton Robinson reached base several times, Samantha Allen contributed with a hit and additional baserunners, and Ella Hauschildt delivered a key home run to help power the offense. Khylee Harris added a single during the game, while Lily Gessner and others helped extend innings with quality at bats. Hastings responded to South St. Paul rallies with runs of its own and held on late to secure the season opening victory.
Hastings finished the game with a 13-11 win over South St. Paul. Hauschildt’s home run highlighted the extra base production, and several Raiders recorded base hits across the lineup.
The Raiders traveled to Mendota Heights on April 8 to face Two Rivers in a game moved due to field availability in Hastings. Hastings again produced offense across multiple innings, but Two Rivers answered with timely hitting and capitalized on opportunities to pull ahead. Robinson recorded a single and later reached again on a walk, while Delaney Solberg collected multiple singles. Lily Watts added a hit, and Addy Strand reached base with both a single and a walk. Ella Carlson also contributed with a hit as Hastings stayed within reach throughout the contest. The Raiders generated traffic on the bases in several innings but could not overcome Two Rivers’ scoring runs late in the game.
Hastings fell to Two Rivers by a final score of 13-7. Multiple Raiders recorded hits including Robinson, Solberg, Watts, Strand, and Carlson.
Hastings returned to the road again April 9 and responded with a strong performance in a 10-2 win over Mahtomedi. The Raiders took control early and continued to add runs as the game progressed. Robinson delivered a triple to spark the offense and later added a single, while Solberg collected multiple hits during the game. Watts reached base several times including a hit and walks, and Hauschildt added another base hit. Lily Gessner and Carlson each recorded hits as Hastings consistently moved runners and extended innings. The Raiders’ defense limited Mahtomedi’s scoring chances and kept momentum on Hastings’ side through the middle innings.
Hastings secured the 10-2 victory over Mahtomedi behind contributions from throughout the lineup. Robinson’s triple highlighted the extra base hits in the game, and several Raiders posted multi hit performances.
The Raiders closed the week April 10 at home against Farmington but were unable to maintain the momentum from the previous day’s win. Farmington built an early lead and continued to add runs as the game moved along, limiting Hastings’ opportunities to respond offensively. The Raiders worked to generate scoring chances but were held to one run in the contest as Farmington controlled the tempo throughout the afternoon.
Hastings fell to Farmington by a final score of 11-1. The loss brought the Raiders’ record to 2-2 overall after the first week of play.
Hastings will return to action Tuesday, April 14 at North Tartan at 4:30 p.m., then travel to Eastview on Friday, April 17 at 4:30 p.m. The Raiders continue their road stretch Tuesday, April 21 at Hill Murray at 4:30 p.m., before returning home Friday, April 24 to host Randolph at 4:15 p.m.

Editorial note: A special thank you to Game Changer for providing a free media account which gives access to the game logs.