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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.
PENTWATER — Mason County Central’s junior varsity team split a softball doubleheader with Pentwater Wednesday, losing the opener 9-8 in seven innings before bouncing back for a 10-4 win in Game 2.
The Spartans responded from a difficult extra-inning loss with a strong all-around performance in the nightcap.
“The girls did a great job coming back after the first loss and ending on a high note,” MCC coach Jeanne Miller said. “They hit the ball well, ran the bases well and their defense was solid to help secure the win.”
Central improved its record to 17-9 and will host Reed City on Tuesday, May 26.
In Game 1, Pentwater used the international tiebreaker rule to earn the 9-8 victory in seven innings.
Avery Miller took the loss in the circle for MCC despite a strong performance. The junior pitched all seven innings, allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out eight. Only one of the nine runs allowed was earned.
Miller also led the Spartans offensively, finishing 4-for-4 with three doubles, an RBI, a stolen base and four runs scored.
Brooke Hawke added two hits and an RBI while Lexi Lemire contributed two sacrifice flies, two RBIs and scored a run.
Anya Shatova had a hit, a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base. Ashley DeLeon walked and scored once, and Syren Cohoon drew four walks and crossed the plate twice.
In Game 2, MCC used timely hitting and solid defense to secure the split.
Brooke Hawke earned the win in the circle, pitching all six innings. She allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six. Only one of the four runs against her was earned.
Miller stayed hot at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs scored.
Shatova went 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Cerka drove in four runs for the Spartans, while Hawke added an RBI single.
Lemire finished with two hits, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored. Cohoon added an RBI single and scored once, while DeLeon contributed a hit, a walk, a stolen base and a run scored.
Nead added a hit and scored a run, and Kathryn Vinton chipped in with a single.
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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
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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