Quijas tosses four-hitter while Kistler throws a five-hitter as Hart wins the Larson’s Ace Hardware Softball Tournament

LocalSportsJournal.com

SCOTTVILLE — Hart’s girls softball team hoisted the championship trophy from the Larson’s Ace Hardware tournament on Saturday with a 4-1 victory over Mason County Central in the final.

And the Pirates had to come from behind to do it as the Spartans opened up an early lead.

But the Pirates shook off that early deficit and rallied back, keeping the Spartans from scoring any more runs the rest of the way.

Gabby Quijas was outstanding in the pitcher’s circle for the Pirates, throwing six innings and scattering four hits while striking out three.

Finley Kistler came in out of the bullpen to throw the final inning and picked up the save, striking out two and not giving up a hit.

Kelsey Copenhaver, Quijas and Kistler all picked up hits for the Pirates.

The Pirates reached the championship game with a 9-1 victory over Ludington in the first game.

Kistler was in the circle for the Pirates and worked five innings, allowing one run on just five hits and striking out six.

Quijas pitched in relief, working the final three innings without giving up a hit.

Copenhaver had three hits and four RBI to lead the Pirates at the plate. Skylar Smith contributed two hits and two RBI, while Gabby Schmieding and Quijas each had two hits. Morgan Marvin had a bunt single.