​MADISON, Wis. — Mattison Kwarta of the Grand Forks Spitfires captured the Home Run Challenge at the Northwoods League All-Star Game on Saturday night, pacing a standout night for the Spitfires in a showcase event that saw five Grand Forks players participate. This marked a historic moment for Northwoods League softball, with the league spotlighting the Spitfires’ talent on a national stage.
Kwarta, a San Diego State freshman hailing from Red Bluff, California, has been a driving force for Grand Forks this season. She leads the Spitfires in batting average at an impressive .493 and has connected for 13 home runs, underscoring her dual-threat potential as both a contact hitter and power hitter. Her .493 average sits just behind the league’s leading mark of .494, and her 13 homers trail a pair of players tied at 14 on the Northwoods League leaderboard, highlighting Kwarta’s place among the top sluggers in the league.
In her college career, Kwarta has been used primarily as a pitcher, especially in her freshman year at San Diego State. She appeared in 28 games as the team’s go-to left-handed option on the mound, though she finished the season with a modest number of at-bats, totaling seven. This dual role showcases Kwarta’s versatility and value to the Spitfires as they pursue a strong finish in the league standings.
The All-Star game featured Grand Forks as part of the West team, which fell 11-10 to the East in eight innings in a high-scoring affair. Alex Graham, a Weatherford College product on the Spitfires’ roster, delivered a solid performance by going 2-for-3 at the plate during the game. Teammate Taylor Larson, a third baseman from York University in Nebraska, added a productive showing with a 1-for-3 effort and an RBI, contributing to the West’s competitive showing.
The East squad claimed victory in walk-off fashion, a dramatic finale to a game that produced 25 total hits and memorable moments across both sides. Danielle Lucey of the University of Wisconsin supplied the game-winning RBI and finished 3-for-4 at the plate, helping to fuel the East’s late rally. Mickayla Tosch of Wichita State also delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-5 with a double, three runs scored, and an RBI, while Hilary Blomberg, another Wisconsin product, contributed three RBIs on a 2-for-3 night. Pitching in relief, Ryan Maddox of the University of Washington worked five innings, recording two strikeouts while giving up three runs on three hits and seven walks.
As the Northwoods League season unfolds, the Spitfires stand at 13-12, placing them third in the league standings. Grand Forks continues to showcase a balanced lineup and strong individual performances, with Kwarta’s All-Star exploits highlighting the breadth of talent on the roster. Looking ahead, the Spitfires return to action with a home game against the La Crosse Steam at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, set to be played at Albrecht Field. The matchup promises a strong test as Grand Forks aims to maintain momentum at home and keep climbing the Northwoods League standings, buoyed by the continued contributions of Kwarta and her teammates.