Lady Vikings split with KVCC

Glen Oaks Community College split an MCCAA doubleheader at Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Friday, falling 5-3 in Game 1 before rallying for a 10-7 win in Game 2.

Game 1: Kalamazoo Valley Community College 5, Glen Oaks Community College 3

Kalamazoo Valley Community College used a late surge to defeat Glen Oaks Community College 5-3 in the opener. The game was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth before the Cougars broke through with five runs, highlighted by a two-run home run from their left fielder.

Glen Oaks out-hit Kalamazoo Valley 8-7 in the loss. Freshman catcher Kaidee Gonser, sophomore shortstop Grace Blanchard and freshman left fielder Kourtney Zarycki each recorded two hits. Gonser drove in a run with a single in the second inning, while Blanchard added a solo home run in the fourth. Freshman first baseman Hannah Brinks also recorded an RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Audrie Dugan took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) over 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Glen Oaks turned one double play defensively.

Game 2: Glen Oaks Community College 10, Kalamazoo Valley Community College 7

Glen Oaks responded in the nightcap with a 10-7 victory behind a dominant offensive performance. Freshman left fielder Kourtney Zarycki drove in six runs on three hits, including a three-run double in the fifth inning and a two-run single in the sixth.

Kalamazoo Valley struck first, scoring in each of the first three innings, including a two-run double by its second baseman in the second and a solo home run in the third. The Vikings began to chip away in the fourth when sophomore shortstop Grace Blanchard hit a two-run home run to center field.

Glen Oaks took control in the fifth inning, scoring four runs to grab the lead. Zarycki's three-run double highlighted the rally, and freshman catcher Kaidee Gonser added an RBI single. The Vikings extended the lead in the sixth behind Zarycki's two-run single.

Glen Oaks totaled 17 hits in the game. Gonser, Blanchard and Zarycki each had three hits, while sophomore third baseman Gabi Zimmerman and sophomore pitcher Maddie Hosbein added multiple hits. 

Freshman pitcher Carlyn Holland started and allowed four runs over 2 1/3 innings. Hosbein earned the win in relief, allowing three runs (two earned) over 3 1/3 innings with two strikeouts. Freshman pitcher Bailey Root recorded the save with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.