LocalSportsJournal.com

The Montague softball team’s Cinderella season will continue for at least one more game.

The Wildcats qualified for Friday’s Division 3 state semifinals in East Lansing with a stunning 6-2 victory on Tuesday over Traverse City St. Francis in the quarterfinals at Traverse City West High School.

Kenadee Shugars throws the opening pitch of Montague's quarterfinal win over Traverse City St. Francis. Photo/Julie Rice

Kenadee Shugars throws the opening pitch of Montague’s quarterfinal win over Traverse City St. Francis. Photo/Julie Rice

Montague, now 23-12 on the season, will play Bronson Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Michigan State University.

“We belong here,” said Montague Coach Doug Rice, whose team won its first ever state quarterfinal game. “These scores are not luck. I really thought at the beginning of the year, these kids can battle it out.”

One big contributor on Tuesday was Kenadee Shugars, on the mound and at the plate.

She gave up only three hits and one walk while striking out seven. She also had two hits and three RBIs at the plate.

Shugars opened the game with a solo home run. She added a two-run double in the second inning.

“She led off the game with a monster home run and that surprised St. Francis,” said Rice. “First at bat and it would have been gone over a 225 foot fence. On the mound, she did what she always does and battled through even over some early counts against her.”

Montague catcher Randi Rice catches a foul ball during fourth inning action. Photo/Julie Rice

Montague catcher Randi Rice catches a foul ball during fourth inning action. Photo/Julie Rice

Backing the the impressive performance was a strong five-run second inning by the Wildcats.

Emma Rupert’s RBI single started the second inning scoring which was led off with a single from McKenna Lohman and Alyssa Bobian who was hit by a pitch.

Sydney Stine came through with a two-run double and Shugars stepped up once again with a two-run double of her own.