Softball squad splits twinbill vs. KVCC

By Maddie Toles
Sports Editor

The LCC women's softball team split a doubleheader with Kalamazoo Valley Community College on April 16. The women increased their conference record to 15-3 and their overall mark to 21-15.

The Stars' fell in the first game 5-4.  Yet, the second game ended with a victory for LCC, 7-5.

Freshman Kennedy Steele stole the show with three hits, four RBIs and tacked on a home run. LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby said her performance helped them take the win.

"(She's) a good player," Kibby said. "Her defense has been great for us at shortstop."

The scheduled doubleheader against Northwood University was cancelled due to rain on April 18.

Kibby said the freshman have been stepping up to the plate this season. While sophomores have the seniority necessary to succeed, Kibby emphasized that many of them are first-year players at LCC.

He said he has been urging the women to create consistency. Kibby said he is focusing on the women not just being consistent in game play, but in their positions as leaders throughout the team.

Kibby is looking to the end of season for things to improve on, and mental toughness remains a focus for him.

"It's the same thing we've been talking about," Kibby admitted. "Our mental toughness. That's what we need to accomplish … The second round (of the season) is going to be tougher. We need to improve mentally.

"We will hopefully come out in top in the league. Where we stand right now, we should qualify for the districts. And if we take care of business, we should be able to qualify for the state tournament."

The next home game is scheduled for Friday, April 26. The action starts at 3 p.m. The doubleheader will take place at Ranney Park.