Warriors split a twin bill with Ludington

It was Senior Night for WMCC softball as they hosted Ludington on Wednesday for a Lakes 8 Conference doubleheader.  WMCC took the first game 16-6 and Ludington bounced back to take the second game 10-2.

In the first game, each team scored two runs in the opening inning.  After Ludington took a 3-2 lead, WMCC scored 14 runs in the fourth and fifth innings to come away with the 16-6 win.

Leading the WMCC 18-hit attack were Catherine Bradford-Royle (WMC), Kelcea Waller (WMC), Taylor Mosher (WMC), and Rebecca Ter Haar (WMC), all with three hits each.  Bradford-Royle and Ter Haar also drove in two runs.  Abby Sweetman (WMC) and Hannah Nestell (WMC) each had two hits and drove in 2 and 3 runs, respectively.  Sophie Hawke (WMC) picked up the win, pitching 5 innings and giving up 6 runs on 9 hits.

Ludington’s offense was led by Olivia Verstrat with three hits, M Howe and S Phelps with 2 hits each, and T Mackowicki who drove in two runs.  M Mulherin took the loss in the circle, striking out one.

After a scoreless first inning in Game 2, Ludington broke through and put two runs on the board to take a 2-0 lead.  WMCC responded with a run, cutting the lead to 2-1.  Ludington came right back, scoring 5 in the third inning and 2 more in the fourth to open up a 9-1 lead.  Both teams traded runs in the seventh to give Ludington a 10-2 victory.

WMCC was limited to 4 hits: 2 from Ter Haar and one each from Nestell and Stephanie Weesies (WMC).  Sweetman and Maria Sanocki (MCC) shared the pitching duties, combining to strike out seven.

Ludington’s offense included two hits for L Duncil and one hit each for B Wysong, Verstrat, and Mackowicki.  Verstrat earned the victory, pitching 7 innings and striking out 10.

WMCC is now 8-16 overall and 2-9 in Lakes 8 conference play.

From WMCC Coach Jeff Nestell: “We came out a little slow in the first game, but I was pleased to see us come alive in the last two innings and get the win.  I thought that momentum would carry us into the second game, but we ran into a good pitcher and we let some distractions affect our play.  We’ll play Ludington again tomorrow; I’m looking forward to seeing how we bounce back.  Overall, it was a good day.  It was great to honor our seniors, three of whom are 4-year players.  All four seniors have meant a lot to this program and have contributed with their abilities and with their leadership.  It’s been an honor and a privilege to be their coach and I’m excited about how God will use these young ladies in the future.”