Softball streak at 12 entering playoffs

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC softball team finished its regular season on a 12-game win streak after winning its last two games at home against Grand Rapids Community College on Monday, May 6.

LCC won the first game 16-6 in five innings, then won the second game 9-6. The Stars finish the regular season with a record of 41-15 and a MJCAA Western Conference record of 27-3, good for first place.

In the first game, the Stars collected 16 hits. Sophomores Paige Antcliff and Carly McLaren both went four-for-four at the plate.

“I was very relaxed and just thought about solid contact and hitting the ball up the middle,” Antcliff said.

Freshman Kyra Shadduck pitched all five innings for the Stars and gave up eight hits to earn the win.

Along with the strong batting from Antcliff and McLaren, sophomore Jenna Morse went three-for-three with a home run and two RBIs. The homer was a team-leading 15th of the season for Morse leads the Stars in home runs and hit her 15th on the season.

In the second game, sophomore Kelsey Merillat started the game on the mound for the Stars and pitched one inning before being removed. Shadduck pitched the final six innings and gave up five hits and three runs to earn her 26th win of the season against only five losses.

Offensively, LCC recorded 17 hits in the second game. Sophomore Madison Travis and freshman Malea Gardner led the team with three hits each.

One of Gardner's hits was her 12th home run of the season. Both she and Travis had two RBIs.

Stars Head Coach Marc Kibby said he has been happy with how the team has been performing over the past few games.

“We’ve been pitching the ball well, hitting the ball well and cut down on our physical errors and mental errors,” Kibby said. “Right now, were in a good place going into the post-season.”

Antcliff said she is satisfied with how the season turned out and is excited for post-season play to begin.

“Overall, I think the season went well for the team and we have made many improvements,” Antcliff said. “There were multiple games we shouldn’t have lost, but we have learned from them and I think that will help us in the post-season.”

The Stars have a bye for the first round and will play their first district game in Marysville, Mich. on Thursday, May 9, against the winner of Macomb and Edison State.

Kibby said he is proud of his players in accomplishing one of the goals they set at the beginning of the season, but knows there is still work to do.

“These young ladies have worked their butts off and I want them to be able to accomplish their dreams of winning this district and moving on to the nationals,” Kibby said.