Copper Country Crush 8U opens season at Stevens Point Summer Classic

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- The Copper Country Crush 8U softball team opened its 2026 season July 17-19 at the Stevens Point Fastpitch Summer Classic, gaining valuable experience against quality Wisconsin competition.

Playing with just eight players throughout the weekend, the Crush competed in four games, finishing with a 1-3 record while showing steady improvement as the tournament progressed.

After opening the tournament with losses to Brillion 8U and Luxemburg-Casco Maroon, Copper Country earned its first victory of the season with a 6-5 win over Point Fastpitch 8U on Saturday.

The Crush rallied with a five-run second inning to erase an early deficit before holding off a late comeback to secure the win.

Adelyn Wilson delivered the biggest hit of the game with a bases-clearing double and finished with three RBIs, while also earning the win in the pitching circle. Savanna Miller led the offense with three hits, while Milah Dickman and Delaney Richard each added multiple-hit performances.

Copper Country wrapped up the tournament with a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Plover 7U Nationals.

The Crush collected six hits, turned a double play, and continued the defensive improvement that became a hallmark of the weekend. Miller and Wilson each recorded two hits, while Olivia Mattson and Miller drove in the team’s two runs.

As the weekend progressed, the Crush became more comfortable both offensively and defensively. The team finished the tournament with 21 hits over its final two contests, providing a solid foundation to build on as the season continues.

Throughout the weekend, every member of the Crush contributed to the team’s progress.

Wilson led the team in the pitching circle while also delivering timely hits, and Miller provided a consistent spark at the plate throughout the tournament. Milah Dickman, Delaney Richard, Kennedy Vandiver, and Mattson each delivered key hits during the weekend. Behind the plate, Bailey Reynolds caught the majority of the team’s 6-5 victory over Point Fastpitch in challenging summer heat, while Jayla Storm anchored the infield at shortstop, making several key defensive plays during the win.

The Stevens Point Summer Classic marked the beginning of the season for a young Copper Country squad that gained valuable experience, earned its first victory of the summer, and showed encouraging growth heading into the remainder of its season.