Local Sports Journal

KIRTLAND, Ohio – Muskegon Community College topped Lakeland Community College 5-1 in its first contest at the Lakeland Invitational.

The Jayhawks (7-1, 5-0 Region XII) struck first on a Ryan Wagenmaker penalty kick. Five minutes later, Wagenmaker scored again on a pass from Trevor Carlson.

Fredi Lopez gave MCC a 3-0 lead just before halftime on a free kick from 25 yards out.

Michael Schmitt snuck past Lakeland’s defense with five minutes left in the second half and after one last fake, the Lakers goalie was forced to take Schmitt down to set up a penalty shot. Schmitt found the net and a 4-1 Jayhawk lead.

MCC’s Zack Sutton scored his first career goal a minute later on an assist from Wagenmaker, rounding out Jayhawk scoring.

MCC held a 13-5 edge in shots as goalie Tyler Lane posted the win with five saves.

“We’re gelling,” said MCC coach Ben Ritsema. “Wags(Wagenmaker) getting those two goals was a nice cushion for us.“

MCC faces Cuyahoga Community College for the championship at 1 p.m. Sunday. Cuyahoga tied Ancilla College 3-3 earlier in the day.

“It’s good to win on the road,” Ritsema said.  “I’ll be super excited if we come away with a win tomorrow.”