Local Sports Journal

The North Muskegon softball team fell one run short of a berth in the state quarterfinals, dropping a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Vestaburg in a Division 4 regional title game at Holton High School.

All of the offense came in the first inning as Megan Massey scored the lone run for the Norse on a throwing error.  Vestaburg countered with two runs in the bottom of the first on an RBI double by Janelle Rons, who scored the second run on a pass ball.

The final six innings were scoreless. Norse pitcher Katie Hendrickson tossed a complete game, allowing two runs (one run earned) on five hits while striking out seven and not walking a batter.

Rons pitched the complete game victory for Vestaburg.

“Both teams had their chances to score more runs.” said Norse coach Larry Witham. “Today was a great day to watch a great softball game and a great pitchers dual.”

North Muskegon, which finished the season 22-8, only manufactured three hits.

In the semifinal game the Norse crushed Mason County Eastern 16-1.

Maddison Nelson paced the offense with two hits, including a double and three RBIs.

Jenna Corgan added three hits, three runs and an RBI while Mikayla Stone had a double, two runs and two RBIs.

Hendrickson pitched a no-hitter in the semifinal game, striking out 10 and walking two.

“I’m proud of the kids,” Witham said.  “We beat a good Holton team in the district finals to get this far. We will be back next season.”

Caledonia 8, Mona Shores 0 – Caledonia pitcher Morgan Swift tossed a two-hitter while striking out eight to end the Sailors’ season in the opening game of a Division 1 regional tournament at Rockford High School. Desi Parker and Stepanie Hosko each had hits for Mona Shores, which ended with a 19-19 record. The Sailors hurt their own cause with three errors.

Ogemaw Heights 12, Whitehall 0 – The Whitehall girls softball team bowed out in the first round of a Division 2 regional tournament. The Vikings closed their season with an 18-16 record. Whitehall’s Kennedee Semans pitched six innings and allowed nine hits and took the loss.