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   The Hill City/Northland Storm split a pair of games last week, picking up a strong win over McGregor before suffering their first loss of the season against Swanville.

   On April 24 in Hill City, the Storm’s bats came alive in a 13-4 win over McGregor. HCN produced consistent offense throughout the lineup, with multiple players contributing at the plate. Avery Ruyak reached base multiple times and drove in runs to help set the tone early. Brooklyn Ruyak and Pearl Johnson each added key hits to keep innings going, while Charity Berg and Jasmine Kingsley helped fuel the middle of the order with timely contact.

   Maddie Barnes and Haley Barnes also contributed offensively, combining for hits and runs scored as the Storm built separation as the game progressed. Casey Jones and Savanna Holm rounded out the effort with productive at-bats, helping HCN pile up runs and secure the nine-run victory.

   The Storm ran into a tough Swanville squad on April 30, falling 1-11 for their first loss of the season. HCN was limited offensively but still found some production at the plate. A. Ruyak and B. Ruyak each managed to reach base, while Johnson added a hit for the Storm’s offense.

Berg, Kingsley, and M. Barnes continued to battle at the plate, working counts and putting balls in play, but HCN was unable to string together enough hits to mount a comeback. H. Barnes and Jones also contributed offensively, while Holm added a base runner in the effort.

   With the split, Hill City/Northland continues its season with a strong start overall, showing offensive depth in their win and looking to bounce back after their first setback.

   HCN played Nevis on Friday, May 1 and East Central on Monday, May 4. Scores from those games will be published in next week’s edition. The Storm will continue a busy stretch, as the season winds down, with games scheduled Wednesday, May 6 against Littlefork-Big Falls in Remer, Thursday, May 7  hosting Chisholm at 2 p.m. and Sebeka at 4:30 p.m. in Hill City and Mille Lacs on Friday, May 8 in Hill City again with action beginning at 3:30 p.m.

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