Softballers KO'ed in district tourney

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC softball team finished its season last week when it was eliminated from the district tournament. The Stars suffered two tough losses against Macomb Community College and Jackson College in Marysville, Mich.

In the first game LCC lost 9-5 against Macomb on Thursday, May 9. The Stars then lost 6-4 to Jackson College on Friday, May 10.

Against Macomb, LCC trailed early, going down 3-0 in the first inning. Despite, the slow start, the Stars were able to tie the game thanks to two home runs in the third inning from freshmen Kyra Shadduck and Malea Gardner.

After taking the lead in the fourth inning, the Stars were not able to sustain it, giving up five runs in the next two innings.

Shadduck pitched all seven innings for LCC, giving up 12 hits and striking out eight batters.

Offensively, the Stars recorded 10 hits, with Gardner and sophomore Jenna Morse leading the team with three each.

In the second game against Jackson College, the Stars started the game much better, taking a 3-2 lead in the first two innings.

Going into the fifth inning, the game was tied 4-4, and neither team scored until extra innings when Jackson College hit a home run and a double to end the game.

Shadduck pitched all nine innings in this game and gave up 11 hits.

On the offensive side, Shadduck led the team in hits with three. Morse and Gardner followed with two each.

Morse finished the season leading the Stars in RBIs with 82, as well as hits with 91. She tied Gardner for the team lead with 15 homers. Morse also led LCC with 33 steals and a whopping .503 batting average while playing in all 58 games.

Despite falling short of nationals, LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby said the season was not a failure in the slightest.

“I couldn’t ask any more of this team,” Kibby said. “Play 58 regular season games and win 41 and be (NJCAA) Western Conference champions; they gave it their all.”

Kibby added that he is very proud of the team.

“Dreams were dashed but the friendships they made, memories they have, they can walk around with their heads up and be proud of the accomplishments they made,” Kibby said.

Leading into next season, Kibby said the recruiting process has already begun and the returning players will help with leadership.

“I told the freshman to come back hungrier next fall and lead the incoming freshman back to nationals,” Kibby said.