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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.
By Kai Taylor, MCP Sports Writer
BRETHREN — The Mason County Central Spartans split a pair of games Saturday at the Brethren Varsity Tournament, dropping the opener before rallying for a narrow win in Game 2.
MCC fell to host Brethren 12-5 in the first game. Avery Miller started in the circle for the Spartans, working two-thirds of an inning with two walks and one strikeout while allowing no earned runs. Brooke Hawke entered in relief and pitched the final 3 1/3 innings, surrendering four hits and five walks with two strikeouts and one earned run.
Offensively, the Spartans generated traffic on the bases but struggled to sustain momentum. Avery Miller went 1-for-2 with two walks, two stolen bases and a run scored, while Brooke Hawke added a 1-for-2 effort with a walk. Brielle Cerka drew two walks and scored once, Haley Frey walked, stole a base and scored twice, and Syren Cohoon finished 1-for-2 with a stolen base and a run scored.
“We were lacking that intensity in the first game,” MCC coach Jeanne Miller said.
The Spartans responded in Game 2, edging Lake Leelanau St. Mary 9-8 in a back-and-forth contest. Avery Miller went the distance in the circle, striking out nine and walking three over seven innings.
MCC’s offense produced timely scoring throughout, led by Avery Miller, who went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and three runs scored. Anya Shatova reached base consistently, finishing 1-for-2 with two walks and three runs scored. Emma Hansen, Kathryn Vinto and Brielle Cerka each crossed the plate once, while Haley Frey and Brooke Hawke both delivered RBIs.
The game was decided in the bottom of the seventh inning when Serenity Nead delivered a key hit, putting the ball in play at the right moment to drive in the winning run.
“I’m proud of the girls for coming back in Game 2 and playing a much better game,” Miller said.
Game 1 Offensive Results
Avery Miller — 1/2, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, 1 run scored
Brooke Hawke — 1/2, 1 walk
Brielle Cerka — 2 walks, 1 run scored
Haley Frey — 1 walk, 1 stolen base, 2 runs scored
Syren Cohoon — 1/2, 1 stolen base, 1 run scored
Game 2 Offensive Results
Avery Miller — 2/4, 1 stolen base, 3 runs scored
Anya Shatova — 1/2, 2 walks, 3 runs scored
Emma Hansen — 1 run scored
Kathryn Vinto — 1 run scored
Brielle Cerka — 1 run scored
Haley Frey — 1 RBI
Brooke Hawke — 1 RBI
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Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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