Despite loss, softball looks in rhythm

Despite loss, softball looks in rhythm

By Brodee Gillam

Sports Editor

 

LCC's softball team has been led by its pitching for most of the season. Heading into the April 10 doubleheader at Lake Michigan College, the Stars had only lost one game since its season-opening Florida trip.

 

The Stars did drop the ball on the offensive end in the opener, losing 1-0. They recovered well in the nightcap, finding their bats and winning 8-0. The win elevated the team's record to 18-5.

 

Sophomore Connor Proctor pitched a complete game in the 1-0 loss. Proctor only allowed one earned run and two hits. She struck out nine batters.

 

Proctor continues to show her pitching prowess, despite having a 5-4 record after the loss.

 

LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby said the Stars had opportunities with Proctor on the mound, but could not push a run across the plate.

 

"It's one of those days where we were not focused," Kibby said. "We had our chances. … It's about being able to pick each other up and get the hits when we need them to help our pitchers out when they're throwing a great game."

 

A trait of a great team is having the ability to get back up and fight. The Stars showed they can do that in the second game. LCC knew the team had to come out aggressive in the nightcap, and did just that.

 

Sophomore second basemen Hannah Horvath led the balanced attack with a solo home run, a single and two runs. Horvath helped on the defensive end as well, turning a double play.

 

Horvath's consistent bat and glove is a steadying presence for LCC. Kibby said, "She doesn't know what she means to this team." The Stars rely on her to set the tone on both sides of the plate and she has done that all season.

 

Freshman Tyler Adkins also had a good outing at the plate. Adkins recorded a double, a run and two RBIs.

 

Adkins described how the transition from high school to college softball has been.

 

"My teammates have helped me with my confidence a lot," Adkins said. "Walking into it as a freshman from a Class C school, it's really intimidating. The pace of college softball is a lot more intense and faster than high school.

 

"I guess I was a little nervous in the beginning, but my teammates helped pick me up."

 

The Stars' next home doubleheader is on Friday, April 20 is against Kellogg Community College. The action starts at 3 p.m. at Ranney Park.