Without question, softball fans showed up in full force for AUSL as the inaugural season started in Rosemont and later in Wichita. A new era is here for a growing sports and women’s sports as a whole. Game One showed off the great pitching the league has to offer. Game Two had a bit more offense. That being said, here is a recap of the first two games in AUSL history.
Game One: A New Era Begins In Rosemont
The Talons and Bandits faced off in the first game in AUSL history in front of a sold-out crowd at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex. No. 1 overall pick in the AUSL Inaugural Draft, Lexi Kilfoyl of the Bandits threw the first pitch in league history to Talons outfielder Victoria Hayward.
It’s important to note that Bandits outfielder Morgan Zerkle made history with the first hit in AUSL history. Zerkle hit a double to left center in the bottom of the first inning. However, both teams went scoreless in the first two innings until the top of the third. Once again, more history came via the bat of Sierra Sacco. Sacco slammed a solo homer to left field, giving the Talons a 1-0 lead.
The first hit in AUSL history belongs to Bandit @mzerkleee 🤠 pic.twitter.com/SaYksoIujM
— Bandits | Athletes Unlimited Softball League (@AUSL_Bandits) June 7, 2025
Yet, the lead shifted in the bottom of the third thanks to a two-run triple by Erin Coffel. The Bandits added one more in the fifth as Sydney McKinney scored on a throwing error. In the end, the Bandits notched the first win in AUSL history 3-1 over the Talons. Kilfoyl went four innings, allowing five hits with three strikeouts. Veteran left-hander Taylor McQuillin picked up the first save in league history, going the final two innings.
Despite the loss, Caroline Jacobsen and Sharlize Palacios each had two hits for the Talons. For the Bandits, Cori McMillan provided a pair of hits.
Game Two: Extra Time In Wichita
With the first game in AUSL history in the books, the Volts and Blaze competed in the second game of the day. Here, the Blaze got on the board first with an RBI double in the bottom of the first from Danielle Gibson, scoring Baylee Klingler.
Next, the Volts would tie it up in the top of the third on a Jessi Warren RBI single, bringing in Amanda Lorenz. As the offense stopped in the final innings of regulation, a sold out crowd at Wilkins Stadium witnessed extra innings.
In the top of the eighth, the Volts’ bats charged up, scoring four runs in the frame. First, Miranda Stoddard hit an RBI single as the bat of McKenzie Clark delivered a three-run homer to left field.
Rachel Garcia and her dominant right arm went the distance, allowing four hits, one earned run with eight strikeouts in the 5-1 win for the Volts.
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