Adams softball achieved a surprising victory over No. 10 St. Joe's in a Northern Indiana Conference rivalry match. The win highlights Adams' competitive spirit and skill in the sport.
Key points
Adams softball defeated No. 10 St. Joe's
The game was part of the Northern Indiana Conference
Katie Rodriguez is the assistant coach for Adams
The match took place on April 17, 2026
Mentioned in this story
Katie Rodriguez
AdamsSt. Joe'sNorthern Indiana Conference
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez rides the bus with her players on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez boards the bus at Marian High School heading to a game against Saint Joseph High School at on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, left, takes a head count of players on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
Marian softball head coach John Whitaker drives the team to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez is gifted a photo book from her first year at Marian before leaving for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
Q&A
What was the score of the Adams vs St. Joe's softball game?
The specific score of the game was not provided in the excerpt.
When did Adams softball play against St. Joe's?
The game took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.
What conference do Adams and St. Joe's softball teams belong to?
Both teams are part of the Northern Indiana Conference.
Who is the assistant coach for Adams softball?
Katie Rodriguez is the assistant coach for the Adams softball team.
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Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez walks off the bus before a game against Saint Joseph High School at Northfield Athletic Complex on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, front, walks past Saint Joseph softball players wearing pink warm up shirts welcoming Rodriguez back after her breast cancer treatment before a game at Northfield Athletic Complex on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Chloe Weber, center, braids the hair of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Chloe Weber, top, braids the hair of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
Liberty Studon, center, puts eye black onto the face of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
"Are their jerseys red or pink?" asks Marian softball players looking towards the field as they arrive at Northfield Athletic Complex with assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, left, before a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend. Saint Joseph's softball team was wearing pink warmup shirts welcoming Rodriguez back after returning from her breast cancer treatment.
Marian freshman Liberty Studon, left, ties a pink ribbon into the hair of assistant coach Katie Rodriguez at Marian High School before leaving for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
Marian freshman Liberty Studon, left, ties a pink ribbon into the hair of assistant coach Katie Rodriguez at Marian High School before leaving for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
The Marian High School softball team loads gear onto the bus before leaving for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez watches players stretch before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez hugs Saint Joseph head coach Earl Keith before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez looks into the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Joseph players wear shirts welcoming back Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez smiles before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez watches the starting lineup before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez walks to the field before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez points out a tattoo she got while fighting cancer before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez walks on the field before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez in the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez along side John Whitaker before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez hugs Saint Josephâs Kennedy Banks before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez in the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez talks to players between innings during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Chloe Weber celebrates during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg runs to third base during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Myla Blazejewski pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Myla Blazejewski pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
An umpire clears home plate during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Chloe Weber pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Annie Verslype fields a ground ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Annie Verslype throws to first during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Chloe Weber throws to first during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg, right, cheers with Violet Kinnucan during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel fields a ground ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg looks to throw during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Payton Wulf tags Marianâs Victoria Hoy out at home during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Liberty Studon celebrates at second base during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg connects with a pitch during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Mary Stack slides safely into second as Marianâs Annie Verslype tries to catch a throw during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Mia St. Clair throws to the infield during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marian head coach John Whitaker smiles while talking to players during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg tracks a fly ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg tosses the ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel connects with a pitch during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Marianâs Victoria Hoy throws to third during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
1 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez rides the bus with her players on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
1 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez rides the bus with her players on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
2 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez boards the bus at Marian High School heading to a game against Saint Joseph High School at on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
3 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, left, takes a head count of players on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
4 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball head coach John Whitaker drives the team to Northfield Athletic Complex for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
5 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez is gifted a photo book from her first year at Marian before leaving for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
6 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez walks off the bus before a game against Saint Joseph High School at Northfield Athletic Complex on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
7 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian softball assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, front, walks past Saint Joseph softball players wearing pink warm up shirts welcoming Rodriguez back after her breast cancer treatment before a game at Northfield Athletic Complex on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
8 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Chloe Weber, center, braids the hair of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
9 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Chloe Weber, top, braids the hair of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
10 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Liberty Studon, center, puts eye black onto the face of Elle Boser on their way to Northfield Athletic Complex for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend.
11 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
"Are their jerseys red or pink?" asks Marian softball players looking towards the field as they arrive at Northfield Athletic Complex with assistant coach Katie Rodriguez, left, before a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in South Bend. Saint Joseph's softball team was wearing pink warmup shirts welcoming Rodriguez back after returning from her breast cancer treatment.
12 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian freshman Liberty Studon, left, ties a pink ribbon into the hair of assistant coach Katie Rodriguez at Marian High School before leaving for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
13 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian freshman Liberty Studon, left, ties a pink ribbon into the hair of assistant coach Katie Rodriguez at Marian High School before leaving for a softball game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
14 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
The Marian High School softball team loads gear onto the bus before leaving for a game against Saint Joseph High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Mishawaka.
15 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez watches players stretch before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
16 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez hugs Saint Joseph head coach Earl Keith before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
17 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez looks into the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
18 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Joseph players wear shirts welcoming back Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
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Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez smiles before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
20 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez watches the starting lineup before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
21 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez walks to the field before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
22 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez points out a tattoo she got while fighting cancer before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
23 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez walks on the field before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
24 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez in the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
25 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez along side John Whitaker before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
26 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez hugs Saint Josephâs Kennedy Banks before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
27 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez in the dugout before the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
28 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian Assistant Coach Katie Rodriguez talks to players between innings during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
29 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Chloe Weber celebrates during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
30 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg runs to third base during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
31 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Myla Blazejewski pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
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Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Myla Blazejewski pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
33 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
An umpire clears home plate during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
34 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Chloe Weber pitches during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
35 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Annie Verslype fields a ground ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
36 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Annie Verslype throws to first during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
37 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Chloe Weber throws to first during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
38 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg, right, cheers with Violet Kinnucan during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
39 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel fields a ground ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
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Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg looks to throw during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
41 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Payton Wulf tags Marianâs Victoria Hoy out at home during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
42 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Liberty Studon celebrates at second base during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
43 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg connects with a pitch during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
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Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Mary Stack slides safely into second as Marianâs Annie Verslype tries to catch a throw during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
45 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Mia St. Clair throws to the infield during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
46 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marian head coach John Whitaker smiles while talking to players during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
47 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg tracks a fly ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
48 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Kiley Weinberg tosses the ball during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
49 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
50 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
51 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel connects with a pitch during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
52 / 52
Mishawaka Marian, Saint Joseph softball celebrate return of Katie Rodriguez
Marianâs Victoria Hoy throws to third during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
SOUTH BEND - The South Bend Adams softball team was clutch on offense when it mattered most Wednesday night.
The youthful Eagles, thanks to an exceptional effort at the plate with two outs, upended Class 3-A No. 10 South Bend Saint Joseph's 8-4 for a huge Northern Indiana Conference win at the former Clay High School.
Adams plays all of its home games on the softball diamond at Clay High School.
Adams plated five runs with two outs and erased a 3-1 deficit to hand the Huskies their first loss of the season. Coach Jami Redman's improved to 6-1-1 overall and moved to 4-1 in NIC play. Coach Earl Keith's Huskies dropped to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in league action.
The wait was well worth it for the Eagles after the game was postponed Tuesday night due to weather.
Coach Redman, whose team split with St. Joe a season ago, was obviously pumped after the key win.
"It's a huge win for us," said coach Redman, whose roster has just two seniors. "This is a huge rivalry. St. Joe is always super competitive.
"We rely a lot on our top six hitters in the lineup and it was great to see what they did tonight. It was nice to see them come through with the bats at big times."
The Eagles, who finished 11-15 overall and 4-8 in the NIC in 2025, took a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI single with two outs by freshman Brayah Williams-Winston.
The Huskies, who had rallied to outscore NIC foe New Prairie 15-11 Monday night, plated three runs in the third frame. St. Joe, which also has just two seniors, got RBI singles by juniors Myla Blazejewski and Bella Esquibel and sophomore Bailey Ball to take a 3-2 lead.
Adams never flinched.
The Eagles took momentum right back with four runs, three coming with two outs, in the home half of the third inning. The key hit was a two-run double with two outs by freshman catcher and No. 6 hitter Alivia Redman to make it 4-3. Williams-Winston and sophomore Claire McNally each also had RBI singles in the key frame as the hosts went up 5-3.
"That showed great leadership," said coach Redman about the response from her team in the third inning to retake the lead. "That bodes well for the future for us, too."
Alivia Redman said it was all about delivering for her team with her pivotal hit.
"I knew that I had to come through for my team," said Alivia Redman of her smash to left-center. "This is a big win in my first year versus St. Joe. I have a lot of confidence, but I still have to push myself and do what's best for the team."
The Eagles, whose lone NIC loss was a 4-3 setback to New Prairie, scored three more times in the fourth frame to make it 8-3. Sophomore Abby Kadar and McNally each had RBI singles and Williams-Winston added a sacrifice fly.
Junior leadoff hitter Julia McNellis was stellar, setting the table for her teammates. The lefty had hits to start off three innings, including a double in the fourth.
"I have to bring the momentum to our team batting leadoff," said McNellis. "My teammates were phenomenal tonight with two outs. They built off the momentum.
"This is a really big win for our team, and it should help bring our momentum up. It should give us a lot of confidence, too. But we can not get cocky. We have to play them (St. Joe) at their field Thursday night."
The Eagles also got a strong effort in the circle from sophomore Abigail Kadar. The Huskies entered play with 68 runs in their first seven games. Kadar allowed just one run and three hits over the final four innings. She retired St. Joe in order in the fourth and fifth innings and had a pair of strikeouts in the final frame.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
Saint Josephâs Bella Esquibel celebrates a home run during the Marian vs. Saint Joseph High School softball game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Northfield Athletic Complex.
"Abigail has worked extremely hard, especially on her mental game," said coach Redman. "Her IQ is unbelievable."
Sophomore Mackenzie Miller, the No. 2 hitter for the Eagles, had two hits with a double and a sacrifice bunt in a strong performance at the plate.
Longtime St. Joe coach Keith was ready to tip his hat to the Eagles and move on.
"I told our girls to feel bad and mad about this one for about an hour," remarked Keith, whose team went 12-15 overall and 6-6 in NIC play in 2025. "Then let it go and concentrate on how we can beat Adams tomorrow (Thursday) night. This game makes tomorrow night really big in the NIC for us.
"They outplayed us. Credit them. Their top six hitters are all good hitters. We didn't make a couple of plays in the field, and when we made miscues, they made it hurt. They had a lot of hits with two strikes."
Defending league champion Penn, with St. Joe's loss, leads the NIC at 2-0 with a pair of wins over Riley. The Kingsmen are slated to host NIC foe Marian for a twinbill Thursday night. Elkhart is 1-0 in league play after edging Riley 6-5 Wednesday night and the Lions host New Prairie in a league double dip, also Thursday night.
Adams is scheduled to play at St. Joe Thursday night, then host Garrett Friday night and play in the Jimtown Tournament on Saturday. The Huskies host Adams Thursday night, then host Elkhart Tuesday, and play at Elkhart April 29.
