MERRILL, Wis. — The Copper Country Crush 12U softball team took part in the Merrill Fastpitch 20th Annual Tournament this past weekend. They went undefeated in their pool play, and finished the weekend in third place.

They got there by defeating Medford and Tomahawk in pool play before defeating Laona/Wabeno in the quarterfinals. They fell to DGSA in the semifinals and then knocked off Merrill in the third-place game.

Big third inning lifts Crush past Medford, 10-0

The Crush opened the scoring in the first after Ramona Raisanen drew a walk, which scored a run.

They then scored seven runs in the third inning, which helped them defeat Medford. Taylor Goldsworthy singled, scoring one run. Morgan Vandiver drew a walk, scoring one run. Raisanen singled, scoring a run.

Abby Hampton drew a walk, scoring one run. Amelia Pennala tripled, scoring a run, and Claire Mettlach drew a walk, scoring one last run.

Raisanen earned the win in the pitcher’s circle. The right-handed pitcher gave up one hit and zero runs over four innings, striking out nine and walking none.

She, Goldsworthy, and Pennala each collected one hit. All three drove in one run.

Vandiver paced Crush with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, piling up 12 walks for the game. Emma Kangas, Vandiver, Claire Mettlach, Raisanen, Danica Jahfetson, and Vivian Mattson each stole multiple bases.

The Crush didn’t commit a single error in the field.

Crush defeat Tomahawk, 8-3

The Crush topped Tomahawk in their second game.

They got on the board in the bottom of the third inning after Danica Jahfetson singled to right field, Izi Jahfetzon walked, Goldsworthy doubled to center field, and Vandiver lined out, each scoring one run.

Raisanen earned the win. The starter gave up three hits and three runs over four innings, striking out six and walking two. Pennala tossed two innings of scoreless ball in relief. The righty surrendered zero hits, striking out three and walking none.

Ari Jahfetson, the No. 8 hitter, led the team with two hits in two at bats. Danica Jahfetson went 1-for-1 at the plate and led the team with two RBI.

Goldsworthy and Danica Jahfetson each stole multiple bases. The team ran wild on the base paths, collecting six stolen bases for the game.

Big second inning lifts Crush past Laona/Wabeno Rebels, 14-1

The Crush jumped into the lead in the bottom of the first when Hampton singled, scoring two runs, and Pennala grounded out, scoring one run.

The team scored nine runs in the second inning. Danica Jahfetson singled, scoring one run. Goldsworthy doubled, scoring two runs. Vandiver doubled, scoring two runs. Pennala doubled, scoring two runs. Mettlach singled, scoring one run, and Ari Jahfetson singled, scoring one run.

The Crush extended their early lead with two runs in the bottom of the third thanks to RBI singles by Goldsworthy and Raisanen.

Raisanen earned the win. The starter gave up one hit and one run over three innings, striking out three and walking four. Pennala threw one inning of shutout ball in relief. The righty allowed one hit, striking out two and walking one.

The Crush amassed 11 hits in the game. Goldsworthy and Ari Jahfetson each had two hits. Goldsworthy and Pennala each drove in three runs.

The team had patience at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game, while not committing a single error in the field.

Crush fall in tough game against DGSA Fire Red, 15-0

The Crush had trouble keeping up with DGSA Fire Red in a 15-0 loss Sunday. DGSA tallied 15 hits in the game.

Raisanen stepped in the circle first for the Crush. The starter allowed 11 hits and 12 runs over two innings, striking out none and walking three.

Raisanen, Danica Jahfetson, Hampton, and Pennala each collected one hit for Crush.

Big second inning helps Crush get past Merrill Fastpitch, 8-0

The Crush defeated Merrill Fastpitch, 8-0, thanks, in part, to six runs in the second inning. Danica Jahfetson tripled, scoring two runs, Izi Jahfetson singled, scoring one run, Kangas singled, scoring one run, and Vandiver singled, scoring two runs.

The Crush opened their scoring in the first after Hampton doubled, scoring two runs.

Raisanen earned the win. The hurler gave up three hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out one and walking one. Pennala threw two innings of shutout ball in relief. The right-handed pitcher allowed zero hits, striking out one and walking two.

The team piled up 12 hits in the game. Kangas, Vandiver, and Mattson each collected two hits. Danica Jahfetson and Hampton each drove in two runs.

Kangas stole four bases, leading the team’s seven stolen bases in the game. The Crush’s defense turned one double play in the game.

Up next

The Crush will complete their season in Gladstone at “Battle on the Bluff 2025” Aug. 8-10.