---

The North Branch softball team continued its strong early-season play with a pair of convincing victories last week, rolling past Duluth Denfeld 14-0 on Tuesday before topping Gentry Academy 12-2 on Wednesday.

Against Denfeld, the Vikings wasted no time taking control, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back in the five-inning run-rule win at North Branch Area High School. The hosts added two more runs in the second, five in the third and one in the fourth to cap a dominant all-around performance.

Leading the offensive charge was Thurmer, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, two singles and three RBI. Charpentier matched that production with three hits and three RBI of her own, including a key two-run triple during a five-run third inning that broke the game open.

Pfeifer chipped in with a pair of RBI singles, while Hammond added two hits as the Vikings piled up 14 hits as a team. 

In the circle, Allaman was sharp, allowing just two hits over five shutout innings while striking out five and walking one. The Vikings’ defense backed her up with a flawless effort, committing no errors. Groholski led the way defensively with six plays.

“I thought our bats were rolling again,” Head Coach Kathy Crudo said. “It was good to see us make adjustments from Monday to Tuesday with different pitching speeds and with the weather temperatures drastically different and take care of our business.”

North Branch carried that momentum into Wednesday’s matchup with Gentry Academy, overcoming an early 2-0 deficit with an explosive offensive response. The Vikings answered with three runs in the bottom of the first, then broke the game open with four runs in both the third and fourth innings.

Groholski led the way against Gentry, going 3-for-3 with a triple and two singles. Thurmer continued her hot stretch, driving in three runs, while Pfeifer, Charpentier and Johnson each contributed multiple hits in a 12-hit team effort.

Rediske earned the win, allowing three hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings. Pfeifer closed things out with a scoreless inning of relief, striking out two.

“Gentry is a very athletic team that challenged us right away,” Crudo said. “We did a great job in the box being prepared for their pitchers’ sequences and not swinging at balls.”

---