Esko Softball Draws Defending Champions in First State Tourney Since 2019

First pitch between Esko and Randolph is set for 3 PM on Tuesday at Caswell Park in Mankato.

ESKO, Minn.- The six-year wait is nearly over for the Esko softball team.

On Tuesday, Esko will begin state tournament play, marking their first appearance in the tourney since the 2019 season.

The team had no problem being the underdog during the Section 7 AA tournament as they knocked off top seeded Greenway/Nashwauk- Keewatin and earned revenge against a Rush City squad that beat them by 10.

Esko will hope for some of that magic again as they face top-seeded and defending champions Randolph in the first round.

Head Coach Jeff Emanuel detailed what they’ll rely on at the big stage.

“We know who we are. We can hit the ball on occasion but I’m a small ball coach. I like putting it down, running bases, that’s just what I do. Whatever situation comes up, we’re going to try to put pressure on defenses,” said Emanuel.

“I don’t think it’s a super shock for us. We went undefeated in our section in the regular season. Definitely a few bumps against triple A teams. But, I think in our section we had all
confidence all-around,” added catcher Rilee Durovec.

First pitch between Esko and the Rockets is set for 3 PM on Tuesday at Caswell Park in Mankato.