High School Softball: Pirates rebound from slow start, ride five-game winning streak

By Jeff Curley  

Photo by Bobbi Messmore  

The 2026 Hudson softball season is underway, and the youthful Pirates are beginning to  find their stride.  

Featuring a roster with four eighth graders and five freshmen, Hudson has overcome an  0-2 start to win five consecutive games and improve to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in NICL play.  The team continues to learn new roles and positions while showing steady  improvement each week. The coaching staff has been pleased with the energy, effort and  positive attitude the players have demonstrated throughout the opening weeks of the season.  Hudson opened the year May 28 with a hard-fought 9-8 loss to Jesup in nine innings.  Josie Messmore led the Pirates with three hits, while Laynee Oldenburger, Lyza Van Dyke,  Laynie Tudor and Hayden Karkosh each added two hits. Jordyn Rhoades drove in two runs.  Oldenburger recorded six strikeouts and two walks in the circle, while Hannah Chardoulias  added three strikeouts.  

The Pirates dropped their second game of the season June 1, falling 8-2 to Oelwein.  Maci Ingles collected three hits for Hudson. Oldenburger struck out three and walked two,  while Chardoulias recorded two strikeouts and one walk.  

Hudson picked up its first win of the season June 2 with a 13-0 victory over South  Hardin. Rhoades and Oldenburger each collected three hits, while Ingles added two.  Oldenburger drove in six runs, while Rhoades, Ingles and Briar Bowers each drove in two.  Oldenburger earned the win, while she and Chardoulias combined to allow no runs and strike  out five batters.  

The Pirates carried that momentum into the Hudson Softball Classic on June 6, posting  a perfect 3-0 record on their home field.  

Hudson opened the tournament with a 10-0 win over Dunkerton. Rhoades, Ingles, Van  Dyke and Messmore each had two hits. Ingles drove in four runs, while Rhoades and Van Dyke  each finished with two RBIs. Chardoulias earned the win in the circle, striking out eight and  walking one.  

In Game 2, Hudson defeated Nashua-Plainfield 7-2. Rhoades and Ingles each collected  two hits, while Bowers drove in four runs and Ingles added two RBIs. Oldenburger earned the  victory, striking out five and issuing no walks.  

The Pirates completed the tournament sweep with a 3-2 victory over South Hamilton.  Ingles and Tudor each recorded two hits. Oldenburger picked up the win with six strikeouts,  while Chardoulias added four strikeouts in relief.  

Hudson extended its winning streak to five games on June 8 with a 10-2 conference  victory over Union. Rhoades led the offense with three hits, while Oldenburger and Bowers  each added two. Oldenburger struck out 11 batters and walked one while earning her fourth  victory of the season.  

Hudson now stands at 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play.  

The Hudson junior varsity team is also off to a strong start, posting a 2-0 record with  victories over Oelwein, 6-4, and Union, 9-1.