Softball sweep includes walkoff homer

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

The LCC softball team earned two victories at home vs. Mid Michigan College on a warm and windy Tuesday, April 11.

The Lady Stars won the first game 10-1. They captured the second game 5-4 on a walk-off home run from Paige Antcliff.

Despite the nice weather on Tuesday, the rainy weather in the days prior presented challenges to the team, according to LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby.

“We talked with them about mentally being ready; the next 10 games are important,” Kibby said. “Everyone has been sitting, not playing and (from) past experiences, these are important games to win now.”

Aside from two 3-0 losses to Jackson College and Lake Michigan College, the bats have provided large amounts of offense for the Lady Stars, Kibby spoke about the team’s approach at the plate, even making a joke.

“With more time in the cage, we have made a few things (more) simple,” Kibby said. “They were overthinking at the plate. My saying is, ‘keep it simple, stupid.’”

Pitcher/outfielder Morgen Ahlfeld picked up a win in the first game, going four innings, allowing just two hits and zero earned runs. Pitcher Kelsey Merillat shut the door with a clean inning.

Pitcher/outfielder Madison Travis nabbed a win in relief during the second game in two and a third innings of work. She allowed three hits, no runs and struck out five.

Infielder/outfielder Peyton Lehman had a big day at the plate for LCC with three hits and four RBIs. Travis added four RBIs at the plate on three hits, including a home run during the doubleheader.

The second home run of the day belonged to Antcliff on her walk-off round-tripper.

Kibby said defense wins championships. He said little things make a team the best it can be all-around.

The two wins bring LCC’s overall record to 17-16 on the year and to 11-3 in the MCCAA Western Conference.

The victories came after two split doubleheaders, one vs. Lake Michigan College on April 7 and the other at Jackson College on April 8. LCC then swept conference foe KVCC on April 10.

The Lady Stars’ next games are in a doubleheader on Friday, April 14 at conference opponent Ancilla College. The first game will start at 3 p.m.