MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
Photos and reporting by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Ludington and Mason County Central opened the 2026 varsity softball season Wednesday at Oriole Field, with the Orioles winning both games of the doubleheader, 12-2 and 7-6.
In game 1, Ludington used a strong pitching performance and timely hitting to secure the win. Annika Heemstra earned the victory, pitching five innings while allowing one hit, striking out five and hitting four batters.
At the plate, Madelyn Kenyon led the Orioles, going 3-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and three runs scored. Kaelyn Cole finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Jacee Cole, Braylynn Lange and Taylor King each added hits.
Mason County Central’s offense was limited but drew several walks. Jordyn Melvin went 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base. Aubrey Chye took the loss in the circle, pitching four innings with three strikeouts, five walks and one hit batter.
In game 2, Ludington held off a late push from MCC to complete the sweep with a 7-6 win.
Madison VanSickle earned the win, pitching a complete game. She allowed four hits and three walks while striking out nine.
Kenyon continued her strong performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Heemstra added a hit and scored twice, while Eva Flores drove in two runs.
For MCC, Chye went 1-for-2 with a triple, a walk and a stolen base. Melvin added an RBI, while Ellen Norman also recorded a hit. Payton Cory took the loss, pitching six innings with eight strikeouts and eight walks.
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MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by:
Baker Ford Ludington, 3045 W. US 10-31, Ludington, 888-856-9116, bakerfordludington.com
Fresh Coast Foam, 7440 W. 5 Mile Rd., Irons; 231-510-9513, www.freshcoastfoam.com
Mission Graphics, 113 S. Blaine St., Scottville, 231-845-7030, mymission.graphics
Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, 231-757-4743, smith-eddy.com
Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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