The sweltering Midwestern heat couldn’t keep softball fans in Wichita, Kansas, and beyond from flocking to Wichita State’s Wilkins Stadium on Saturday for the opening day of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
Saturday’s matchup between the Volts and Blaze was part of an opening day that marked a turning point in pro softball, and in front of a sold-out crowd, the Volts and Blaze delivered a debut performance that matched the weight of the moment.
The Volts earned the first extra-inning win in AUSL history with a 5-1 victory over the Blaze in front of a sellout crowd.
Four runs in the top of the eighth inning broke the game open. After pitcher Rachel Garcia moved Danieca Coffey to third with a bunt, rookie catcher Michaela Edenfield delivered the go-ahead RBI single up the middle. A fielder’s choice and a walk to veteran infielder Kelsey Stewart-Hunter set the stage for a three-run homer that put the win out of the Blaze’s reach.
But beyond the final score, players and coaches on both squads understood the deeper meaning of what it meant to step onto the field and make franchise – and league – history in real time.
For Volts’ outfielder McKenzie Clark, that moment came in the form of that three-run blast in the top of the eighth–the first home run in franchise history.
“We went to the Women’s College World Series, and we walked through the Hall of Fame, and got to see lovely photos of [Volts Head Coach Kelly Kretschman and General Manager Cat Osterman] and just all of the people that walked before us to get to where we are now,” Clark said after the game. “To be able to run for those who walked for us is just incredible, and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
The weight of the moment was felt by the fans and players alike.
For many in the crowd, the trip to Wilkins Stadium involved more than just a short drive. Virginia native and dedicated softball fan Debbie Hinz also reached the AUSL’s opening weekend in Wichita after attending the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
She reflected on the significance of the moment and its power to inspire the next generation of players and coaches.
“These women are so gracious with their time for the younger girls, trying to lift them up,” Hinz said. “Even though my granddaughter, seven years old, does play T-ball—maybe one day it’ll be softball. And I also think it’s great to see a lot of these women coaching as well.”
The stadium was filled with young fans decked out in softball gear and their favorite team’s colors. The post-game autograph line was primarily filled with young girls, eager to meet the players trailblazing the new league.
For many longtime players, it was the kind of crowd they dreamed of for their entire careers.
The emotional impact of the sold-out crowd’s support was clear as Volts’ General Manager and Olympic legend Cat Osterman addressed the fans ahead of first pitch.
“Today is the first day of something very incredible, something a lot of us—GMs, head coaches, a few of the players—have been fighting for for a long time,” she said. “You guys being here is the support that we fought for, and we’ve tried to generate for a long time.”
Osterman, who’s witnessed many eras of pro softball across her 20-season career, closed her welcome with a message to the crowd: history is being made, and they have a role in it.
“Cheer loud. Come all week. And hopefully, we’re back every year…This is an incredible night. Day one of many.”
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
