Winhawks sweep Packers in Todd Park

Austin softball team adjusts to new coach and lineup in lopsided losses to Winona.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:10am

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The Austin softball team, led by new head coach Sheryl Stenbeck, struggled in a doubleheader against Winona, losing 15-0 in 4 innings and 19-1 in 5 innings. The Packers are working to integrate new players into different positions as they rebuild their roster.

Why it matters

This early-season sweep highlights the challenges facing the Austin softball program as they transition to a new coaching staff and adjust their lineup. The Packers are hoping to develop their young talent, but the lopsided losses to Winona show there is still work to be done.

The details

In the first game, Charlee Cunningham and Sophia Johnson both saw time on the mound for the Packers, who were limited to just one hit by Lauren Bowe. Winona cruised to a 15-0 victory in 4 innings. In the second game, Lexi Helgeson went 1-for-3 with a run scored, but Austin fell 19-1 in 5 innings.

  • The doubleheader took place on Tuesday at Todd Park in Austin, Minnesota.

The players

Sheryl Stenbeck

The new head coach of the Austin softball team, tasked with rebuilding the program.

Charlee Cunningham

A pitcher for the Austin Packers softball team.

Sophia Johnson

A pitcher for the Austin Packers softball team.

Lexi Helgeson

A player for the Austin Packers softball team who went 1-for-3 with a run scored in the second game.

Lauren Bowe

The only Austin Packers player to record a hit in the first game of the doubleheader.

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What they’re saying

“We have a small roster, and being able to move our girls around has been beneficial. That way we don't just have one person who can play that position.”

— Sheryl Stenbeck, Austin Head Coach

“We have a lot of talent, I think we're all just learning the right time to use it. We're making switches, and I think there is still a lot to learn, but we've learned a lot over the last couple of days.”

— Sheryl Stenbeck, Austin Head Coach

What’s next

The Packers will look to bounce back in their next doubleheader against Mankato West on April 8th.

The takeaway

The Austin softball team is in a rebuilding phase, adjusting to a new coach and integrating new players into the lineup. While the lopsided losses to Winona show there is still work to be done, the Packers are hopeful that developing their young talent will pay dividends later in the season.