Softball team clinches conference title

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

The LCC softball team has won the MCCAA Western Conference for 2023.

The Lady Stars finished the regular season with a 31-18 overall record and a 25-5 record in the MCCAA Western Conference. The next best record in the conference was Jackson College’s 24-6 record.

The Lady Stars are now looking ahead to the postseason after two doubleheader sweeps over Glen Oaks CC on May 5 and Kalamazoo Valley CC on May 6.

LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby spoke about winning the conference, and the upcoming playoff games.

“Well, we accomplished one of our team goals,” Kibby said. “Showing hard work pays off and it's all about (the) team. They truly are a team and if they keep working, more good things will happen for them.”

The Lady Stars’ strong season has meant there has been plenty of great talent on display.

Pitcher/infielder Jillian Harris leads the team with a .408 batting average. Catcher/infielder Paige Antcliff leads the team with 13 home runs. Pitcher/outfielder Madison Travis is a close second with 12 homers. Catcher/infielder Jenna Morse leads the team with 15 stolen bases.

Pitcher Morgen Ahlfeld leads the team with 18 wins, 145 1/3 innings pitched and a 3.23 ERA. Travis and pitcher Lydia Davenport have both tallied six wins for the Stars.

That talent will be put to the test in the postseason, with the Lady Stars opening up in Stevensville this Thursday, May 11. The opponent is to be announced.

Kibby also spoke about the mental aspect and staying focused when it comes to the playoffs.

“(The) postseason now becomes more mental,” Kibby said. “Execute the game plan and stay inside yourself, every moment and play for each other. That's how you win.”