SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central opened the junior varsity softball season Wednesday with a sweep of Ludington, winning 21-1 and 29-0 at Spartan Community Field.
In game 1, the Spartans used a strong offensive performance and solid pitching to secure a 21-1 victory in a mercy-rule shortened contest.
MCC’s Avery Miller earned the win in the circle, pitching three innings while allowing one run, striking out five and walking four. She also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and a triple, one RBI and three runs scored.
MCC’s offense was paced by Brielle Cerka, who went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple, driving in four runs and scoring three times. Ashley DeLeon added a 2-for-3 performance that included a double and a triple, along with three RBIs and two runs scored.
The Spartans carried that momentum into game 2, posting a 29-0 win behind another dominant showing both offensively and defensively.
Brooke Hawke earned the win, pitching three scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and two walks.
Miller led MCC’s offense in game 2, going 5-for-5 with a home run, six RBIs and four runs scored. Cerka added to her strong day, finishing 1-for-1 with a triple, one RBI and two runs scored.
Lexi Lemire went 3-for-5 with one RBI and five runs scored, Naomi Albaugh was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, and Emma Hansen finished 4-for-5 with a triple, four RBIs and three runs scored.
Ludington coach Maggie Bates said early-season conditions have been a challenge for her team.
“We haven’t been able to get outside since the first two days of tryouts, and that makes it hard to start the season,” Bates said.
Sarah Benz started on the mound for Ludington in game 1 and took the loss, while Rayne Holtrust started game 2.
Bates said she remains optimistic about the team’s potential.
“These girls have lots of potential, and we have some work to do, nothing they don’t know,” she said. “In our conversation after the game, we talked about the work that we have to do as players and coaches, and I have no doubt they will rise to the challenge. This is going to be a great season once we really get going.”
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