Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond’s Ella Vandi slides safely into third base around the tag of Eagle Grove’s Addy Pamperin at Rogers Park on Tuesday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Bill Shirbroun is excited to see what his sixth-ranked St. Edmond softball team can accomplish this season.

Gael fans got a first taste of what is to come with a group that includes just one senior and three upperclassmen.

As a result, there is a new feel in the St. Edmond dugout.

The Gaels earned a 4-2 victory over Eagle Grove at Rogers Park on Tuesday night in the 2026 opener for both squads.

It took a little while for the Gaels to get the feel and timing down, but eventually, they found a way and took control.

“We started out a little rough,” Shirbroun said. “We have four new starters and I think we were a little timid when we hit the field.”

Eagle Grove got on the board first in the opening frame, but St. Edmond tied the contest after two. The Gaels plated one and two runs in the third and fourth innings, respectively, and the Eagles’ final run came in the sixth.

“We didn’t execute consistently, but when we did, we capitalized,” Shirbroun said. “We got our bunts down and the girls were starting to get used to playing well together and gelling together.”

St. Edmond pitcher Toryn Helle had a strong start. In the complete game, she allowed three hits and two runs — both of which were unearned. Helle had nine strikeouts.

“Toryn was phenomenal,” Shirbroun said. “She was keeping their hitters off balance and controlled the zone.”

Lone senior Faith Shirbroun and Helle both had two hits on the night, with Shirbroun driving in a run. Sophia Schlienz and Rihanna Myers also contributed RBI.

The Gaels had five stolen bases. Ella Vandi swiped two, while Myers, Shirbroun and Jade Rock added steals.

The Gaels are back in action on Monday when they host Newell-Fonda.

ST. EDMOND 4, EAGLE GROVE 2

Eagle Grove 100 001 0 — 2 3 2

St. Edmond 011 200 x — 4 7 2

WP–Toryn Helle (7IP, 3H, 2R, 0ER, 9SO); 2B–SE: Breckyn Ulrich.