GOCC softball brooms Lake Michigan

Glen Oaks Community College swept a doubleheader from Lake Michigan College on Saturday at Glen Oaks Community College, winning the opener, 5-3, and and the second contest, 20-2.

Game 1
Glen Oaks earned a 5-3 victory over Lake Michigan College Red Hawks in the opener.

Lake Michigan College struck first in the second inning with a solo home run. Glen Oaks responded in the bottom half, as freshman third baseman Grace Zimmerman homered to left field and freshman catcher Braylyn Hernandez doubled, each driving in a run to give the Vikings a 2-1 lead.

The Red Hawks tied the game in the third inning and again in the fourth to make it 3-3.

Glen Oaks pulled ahead for good in the fifth inning. Zimmerman delivered an RBI single to center field, and sophomore shortstop Grace Blanchard followed with an RBI single to center to make it 5-3.

Freshman pitcher Madi Hosbein earned the win in relief, tossing three shutout innings while allowing one hit. Freshman pitcher Brooklynn Root started and allowed three runs on five hits over four innings.

The Vikings totaled 11 hits in the game. Zimmerman led the way, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Freshman outfielder Kourtney Zarycki and freshman first baseman Hannah Brinks each added two hits. Glen Oaks did not commit an error, with Brinks recording 12 defensive chances.

Lake Michigan College finished with six hits, led by its shortstop, who went 3-for-4.

Game 2
Glen Oaks completed the sweep with a 20-2 win over the Red Hawks in five innings.

Sophomore pitcher Audrie Dugan led the Vikings both in the circle and at the plate, driving in five runs on three hits. Dugan hit a grand slam in the second inning and added an RBI double in the third.

Glen Oaks broke the game open with 12 runs in the first inning. Freshman outfielder Kourtney Zarycki singled to score one run, sophomore shortstop Grace Blanchard was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, freshman utility Kaidee Gonser added an RBI single, and freshman first baseman Hannah Brinks drew a bases-loaded walk. Freshman outfielder Braylyn Hernandez hit a grand slam, and Zarycki capped the inning with another grand slam to center field.

Lake Michigan College scored its two runs in the first inning on an RBI single.

Dugan added a grand slam in the second inning, and Glen Oaks extended its lead in the third inning with contributions from freshman center fielder Cassie Holland, freshman infielder Maddy Lewis, and Dugan.

Dugan earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits over 3 2/3 innings. Root added 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Glen Oaks finished with 15 hits. Lewis and Dugan each collected three hits, while Brinks added two hits. The Vikings also drew six walks and did not commit an error, with Brinks leading the defense with five chances.

Lake Michigan College had five hits, with its leadoff hitter collecting two hits.