WMCC softball opened its 2018 conference schedule by hosting Orchard View for a doubleheader on Friday and dropped both games by the scores of 17-2 and 17-1.

In the opener, Orchard View jumped out to a 6-0 lead after 2 innings and put 7 more runs on the board in the third to put the game away.  WMCC scored a run in the third when Abby Sweetman (WMC) led off with a double and came home on a Taylor Mosher (WMC) groundout.  Maria Sanocki (MCC) scored the other WMCC run in the 4^th when she reached on a bunt single, advanced on a passed ball and scored from second on a Hannah Nestell (WMC) groundout.  Catherine Bradford-Royle (WMC) collected the other WMCC hit, a single in the first inning.  Sophie Hawke (WMC) pitched all 4 innings for WMCC.

Orchard View’s offense included two homeruns by Hallie Holman to give her 3 RBI for the game.  Taylor had four hits and four RBI while Tenhove added three hits.  Holman picked up the victory, pitching 4 innings and striking out 3.

It was a similar story in the second game as Orchard View jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first and cruised to their second win of the day.

The WMCC offense was limited to 2 hits, one each for Sanocki and Hannah Pell (WMC).  Sanocki and Sweetman each pitched 2 innings and with Sanocki picking up 2 strikeouts.

Orchard View’s Holman picked up her third homerun of the day and drove in three while Tenhove and Webster each picked up 2 hits.  Tenhove picked up the win in the circle, pitching four innings and striking out 5.

WMCC is now 4-6 overall and 0-2 in Lakes 8 conference play.

From WMCC Coach Jeff Nestell: “Orchard View is a strong team, featuring an explosive offense and top-tier pitching.  We saw both of those things today.  There’s a reason they’re undefeated and they earned two more wins today.  I was happy with how we stayed together as a team, made some good plays in the field and made consistent contact at the plate.  Games like today reveal the true character of a team.  I was pleased to see how we came together as a team and played hard until the final out.”

*NOTE: WMCC Softball is a co-op between Western Michigan Christian High School (WMC) and Muskegon Catholic Central High School (MCC).