LocalSportsJournal.com
The Holton softball team just keeps on rolling, even when a tough opponent stands in the way.
The Red Devils won three games Saturday and captured their third consecutive Greater Muskegon Athletic Association Tier II Softball Tournament championship.
Holton’s Rachel Younts delivers the pitch against Oakridge. Photo/Scott Stone
In the process they improved their record to 15-0 on the season.
And they won the title in style, beating a talented Oakridge squad twice – 6-2 in the semifinals and 16-8 in the championship game.
Holton came into the day ranked fourth in the state in Division 4. Oakridge was ranked third in Division 3.
The Red Devils defeated Montague 4-0 in their first game of the day.
“We still have a few kids who are struggling a bit and need to step up, but our senior leaders have really been carrying us,” said Holton Coach Kirk Younts, whose team won the title on its home field. “They’ve really been getting it done.”
One senior who made a big difference on Saturday was Rachel Younts, who pitched three complete games for a total of 20 innings, striking out 22.
In the title game, Younts had six strikeouts and improved her personal record to 12-0 on the season.
“She had a big day,” said Kirk Younts, who is also Rachel’s father. “She’s probably going to sleep well tonight.
“Rachel’s pitching has kept us in every game this year. She has only walked four batters all season. She has great command of her pitches.”
The Red Devils totaled 20 hits again st Oakridge in the finals, with Younts, Jacki Stone and Emily Larabee getting three apiece and Ashley Friend and Kaylee Slowik collecting two.
