Softball team looks to build on strong ‘16

By Brodee Gillam

Sports Editor

LCC's softball team went on its annual spring break trip March 3 to 12 and came back fairly successful with a record of 7-8-1.

The team is coming off a 40-19 season and a national tournament appearance last season.

Stars Head Coach Marc Kibby, the reigning MCCAA Western Conference Coach of the Year, said this trip was one of the better records LCC has had returning back to Michigan after break.

Kibby added the team has all-around talent, but a few qualities stand out.

"Our strengths are our pitching and our defense," Kibby said. "Not that our offense is weak; we hit collectively as a team. We don't have the (big) home run hitters. We have six or seven kids that will hit 15 home runs.

"We pride ourselves in what we've done with our offense over the years … We are by no means ever a big team. We were seventh in the country with 75 home runs last year."

The two team captains are returning sophomores shortstop Grace Quiggle and catcher Rebecca Piron, both of whom had a fruitful trip.

Quiggle made the NJCAA Region XII All-Region team, the All-MCCAA Team and MCCAA Western Conference First Team.

Piron received MCCAA Western Conference 2nd Team and MCCAA Western Conference All-Freshman Team honors last season.

Through March 15, Quiggle has a batting average of .333 along with five doubles, seven RBIs and three runs scored.

Piron was hitting .294 to pair with eight RBIs and a home run. Piron has also caught two runners stealing.

Piron said the team is unusually young, but she sees a lot of potential.

"The freshmen we have this year are really stepping up to the plate and really making an impact on the team," Piron said. "The four sophomores know what it takes to make it to nationals and we are hoping to make it back this year."

The Stars first home doubleheader is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 against Oakland CC, starting at 3 p.m. at Ranney Park near the Frandor Shopping Center.