30 | SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
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Elk River, MN 55330.
Spectrum softball returns nearly entire roster after state run
Sting aim to build on historic season 22-win with experienced, highpowered lineup
ERIK NELSON Sports Reporter
Fresh off its first-ever Class 2A state tournament appearance, Spectrum returns nearly its entire roster and is positioned for another strong season in 2026. Only two players from last year’ s team are not back— one graduated and one transferred.
2025 record: 22-1( finished fifth at the Class 2A state tournament) Head coach: Rick Marberg Key returning players: Senior pitcher Addy Wallschlaeger led the Sting both offensively and in the circle in 2025. She posted a. 581 batting average with 43 hits, 16 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 33 RBIs and 38 runs scored. In the circle, she went 17-1 with a 0.32 ERA and 208 strikeouts as Spectrum allowed just seven runs all season.
Also returning are Ella Burquest, who was second on the team with 31 RBIs, juniors Maggie Carlson, Cassidy Colbert and Izzy Colbert, sophomore Aubrie Hiney and Willow Reznicek. Key departures: Reagan Wallschlaeger transferred to Centennial for academic reasons and will pitch for the Class 4A Cougars this season. She led Spectrum with 14 stolen bases in 2025. Lily Carlson graduated.
Coach Rick Marberg’ s expectations for 2026:“ We’ re always hoping to get back to state. My real goal is to get back to the Section( 5-2A) championship game.”
Elks softball aims to build, compete in tough section
Elks return key battery while looking to take step forward
ERIK NELSON Sports Reporter
Spring Preview
FILE PHOTO
The Spectrum Sting softball team poses with the Section 5-2A championship after defeating Rockford 6-2 in the section championship game on May 29, 2025, at Marv Marohn Field in Annandale. The Sting clinched its first state tournament appearance in program history. Only two players from last year’ s team are not returning in 2026, meaning that the Sting are capable of a deep postseason run this spring.
FILE PHOTO
Sting pitcher Addy Wallschlaeger threw a perfect game against Heritage Christian Academy on May 1, 2025, and also recorded her 500th career strikeout.
Ready for a fresh coat of paint?
“ Yeah, we got somebody to do that...”
Elk River continues to build its program heading into the 2026 season as the Elks look to take a step forward against a challenging schedule. The two-time Class 3A state champions play at Lions Park, located across the street from Elk River High School.
2025 record: 5-18( lost to Moorhead in the Section 8-4A playoffs)
Head coach: Matthew Beck( second season)
Key returning players: Senior pitcher Ella Fransen and catcher Emma Mathison form the team’ s primary battery. Infielder Avalyn Beck adds versatility and athleticism.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Elk River girls varsity team smiles during an indoor practice on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Spring Preview
Key departures: Natalie Zimski
Important games: March 31 vs. Alexandria; April 7 vs. Anoka; April 8 at STMA; April 16 vs. Totino-Grace; April 21 vs. Centennial; April 23 at Rogers; April 28 vs. Coon Rapids( youth night, mental health awareness night); May 4 vs. Monticello( senior night); May 5 vs. Andover
Coach Matthew Beck’ s expectations for 2026:
“ This year, we’ re trying to work together more, provide positive feedback and work hard. We’ re a growing team, and we’ ve got young players coming up. Every time we get on the field, it’ s a good day.“ It’ s going to be tough this year. We have pitching, but not dominating pitching. Our hitting has to be on point, but I’ m hoping to be above. 500. Softball is a tough, fast game.”
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