MCC Softball Receives NFCA Division II East Regional Coaching Honors
The Muskegon Community College softball coaching staff was honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association with its 2012 NJCAA Division II East Regional Coaching Staff of the Year Award.
The 2012 NJCAA Division II National Champions, Phoenix College, was the South region winner and Southwestern Community College (Iowa) was the Midwes Region recipient.
MCC Head Coach Matt Houseman and assistants Kelsey Bandstra, Colleen Morse and Ryan Schalk lead the Jayhawks to a 44-12 clip this season and an appearance in the national tournament. To get to the national championship, Muskegon won both the MCCAA title and the Region XII-A championships by beating rival Kalamazoo Valley. The Jayhawks topped the Cougars in the championship game of both the conference and regional tournaments and took five of eight from Kalamazoo in the season series.
All three coaching staffs are now eligible for 2012 NJCAA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year, which will be announced by the Association on June 15.
Softball Season Ends with 2-1 Loss; Jayhawks Finished in Nation’s Top Eight
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the MCC women gave up runs in the third and sixth innings to drop a 2-1 decision to Parkland College of Champaign, Ill., on Friday afternoon at the NJCAA Div. II Softball Championships in Clinton, Miss.
MCC, which advanced to the top eight teams in the national tournament, closed out the 2012 season with a 44-12 record, a regional championship and the state championship. On Friday morning, the MCC women eliminated Highland CC (Kansas) 6-3.
“It’s been a wonderful tournament,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman. “These kids represented Muskegon Community College in fashion that everyone associated with it and Muskegon County should be proud. We lost a tight one today, 2-1, but we played awesome and we battled. We came down here and competed on the big stage and played up to our expectations. I am very proud that I had the chance to coach these women.”
MCC Beats Black Hawk, Loses to LSU-Eunice; Meets Highland CC
The MCC softball team opened the NJCAA Div. II national tournament on Thursday morning in Clinton, Miss., with a 3-2 victory over Black Hawk College of Moline, Ill.
The Jayhawks advanced to face number-one seed Louisiana State University-Eunice on Thursday afternoon, when MCC lost 6-0. LSU used a five-run fourth inning to produce the win.
MCC will mees Highland Community College of Kansas at 11 a.m. on Friday. Highland opened with a 14-4 victory over Community College of Baltimore County-Catonville before dropping a 3-1 decision to Illinois Central College.
MCC Softball Faces Black Hawk College on Thursday in National Tourney Opener
The MCC women’ softball squad, the MCCAA state and NJCAA Region 12 champions, will open play in the 16-team national championship tournament on Thursday against Black Hawk College of Moline, Ill..
The 42-10 Jayhawks will meet the 32-15 Braves at 9:30 a.m. at Traceway Park in Clinton, Miss. Both teams will face another foe on Thursday in the double elimination tournament that continues through Sunday. MCC captured the 2010 NJCAA Div. II Softball national crown.
The 16 teams, with their respective records, vying for the national championship are: Louisiana State University-Eunice, La. (53-9), Phoenix College, Ariz. (51-15), Jones County Junior College, Miss. (42-9), Kankakee Community College, Ill. (50-9), Cowley College, Kan. (46-6), Parkland College, Ill. (42-18), Highland Community College, Kan. (48-11), Black Hawk College, Ill. (32-15), Muskegon Community College (42-10), Illinois Central College (34-23), Des Moines Area CC, Iowa (40-19), Mercyhurst North East, Pa. (40-12), Mott Community College, Mich. (26-13), Delaware Technical & Community College, Del. (35-3), CCBC-Catonsville, Md. (44-11) and East Central College, Mo. (28-30).
MCC Softball Wins Regional Title; Heading to NJCAA Nationals in Mississippi
The MCC softball team, after losing 12-9 to Kalamazoo Valley earlier on Friday, came back and defeated the Cougars 9-2 to capture the NJCAA Region XII Championship and earn a trip to the NJCAA National Championships in Clinton, Miss., next week.
The 42-10 Jayhawks, who won the national title in 2010, will be one of 16 teams competing for the national crown this season.
MCC pitcher Caitlin Catlow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central), who was 2-0 on the mound in the regionals including the title game, was voted the Regional Tournament MVP. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Janelle Agren (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) were voted first team all-tournament. Briggs was solid in the leadoff position throughout the regionals, while Agren capped her strong showing with a three-run homer in the Jayhawks’ breakout fifth inning in the finale against KVCC.
Jayhawk DeAnna Stickler Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) also jacked a three-run blast in the same inning that quashed KVCC’s hopes of pulling off an upset against MCC, who beat them five of eight times this season.
MCC beat Kalamazoo Valley for the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship on Tuesday and then again Thursday in the regionals, In Friday’s first game, MCC fell behind 8-0 after three innings before storming back for six runs in the third and three in fifth to take a 9-8 lead. KVCC responded with three in the sixth and an insurance run in the seventh for the win that forced a winner-take-all contest.
This is an awesome experience for our kids and the coaching staff to have the opportunity to go back to nationals,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman. “I am blessed to coach these women. We are a team that is very energetic and loud and our bench helped us come back and win the game. We had great all-around support from all our kids to win it.”
“That’s one of the things we always talk about – that it’s we and not me. They have bought into that system. We’re excited to get on the road and get to Mississippi and try and bring home another national championship for Muskegon Community College.”
Softball Beats Kalamazoo Valley 9-4; One Win from Trip to National Championships
In the NJCAA Region XII Tournament on Thursday, the MCC women’s softball team defeated 10th ranked Kalamazoo Valley CC for the fourth time in their six games this season.
The 9-4 victory put the Jayhawks one win from advancing to the 16-team NJCAA National Championship tournament on May 17-19 at Traceway Park in Clinton, Mississippi. MCC captured the national title in 2010.
Now 41-9 overall, MCC sat back and waited on Thursday until the other five teams had narrowed themselves down to one. Kalamazoo Valley beat Owens CC 9-1 for the right to face MCC on Friday, but the Cougars must win twice in the double elimination format.
MCC meets KVCC at 10 a.m. If the Jayhawks win, they take the regional title. If they lose, they will play again for the title immediately after the first game.
On Thursday, MCC took advantage of seven Cougars errors, while Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) held KVCC in check. She had three strikeouts and allowed four walks.
Softball Wins Twice at NJCAA Regionals; Showdown with KVCC on Thursday
The torrid MCC softball team opened play in the six-team NJCAA regionals at Battle Creek on Wednesday with a 6-2 win over Jackson CC and a 2-0 upset of 12th ranked Owens CC.
The latter contest was the second win over a nationally ranked team in as many days for the Jayhawks, who defeated Kalamazoo Valley CC on Tuesday 13-11 for the MCCAA state championship.
MCC will now meet the 10th ranked Kalamazoo Valley CC Cougars, which defeated Ancilla 11-3 on Wednesday, on Thursday at 2 p.m. The winner will be in the driver’s seat in the three-day, double elimination tournament whose victor will be headed to the NJCAA national tournament.
Against Jackson, Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) threw a five-hitter over seven innings for the win. She struck out two batters. Offensively, DeAnna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) was 2-4 with three RBI. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) was 3-3 and scored twice. Danielle “Boo” Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) was 2-4 with a double and a run. Janelle Agren (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) was 2-3 with a run scored. Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) had a run and an RBI while going 1-2.
Jayhawks Win MCCAA Softball State Title; Second in Three Years Over KVCC
After defeating Mott CC 9-1 earlier on Tuesday, the host MCC softball team outlasted rival Kalamazoo Valley CC 13-11 to capture its second Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) state title in three years.
Both nationally ranked, the 38-9 MCC Jayhawks and the 35-8 KVCC Cougars will begin competition at the NJCAA Region XII Tournament on Wednesday at Bailey Park in Battle Creek, MI. Regional play continues through Friday.
MCC jumped to a 9-2 lead on KVCC errors after four innings, but then committed their own miscues to have their margin trimmed to 10-9 two innings later. In the bottom of the sixth, the Jayhawks responded with three tallies when Boo Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) homered to score Kaia Swain (Muskegon, MI/Reeths-Puffer) and Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores)
“That was pretty special to have Boo hit a home run in her last at bat on this field,” said Houseman.
In the first inning, DeAnna Stickler Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) opened a four-run frame with her solo blast over the leftfield fence. In the third, Ariel Cammin’s (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) triple brought three Jayhawks across the plate. Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) scored three times in the contest.
Pitcher Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) earned the victory, striking out a trio of KVCC batters in 5 1/3 innings, while Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) earned the save.
Burns recorded the win over Mott in the semifinals. She tossed a three-hitter with five strikeouts in five innings. leadoff hitter Briggs went 3-4 with two runs and two RBI. She doubled and tripled. Swain was 2-3, both doubles, while Stickler-Gatson homered. Both Jayhawks had two RBI, as did Sanicki.
Softball Opens NJCAA Regional Play Against Jackson CC Today
The #3 MCC softball team opens play in NJCAA regional against #6 Jackson CC at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at Bailey Park in Battle Creek, MI. The winner meets #2 Owens CC immediately after at 6 p.m, while the loser would compete Thursday.
The six-team, double elimination tournament, which continues through Friday, includes: #4 Grand Rapids CC facing #5 Ancilla College at 4 p.m., with that winner meeting #1 Kalamazoo Valley at 6 p.m.
Michigan Community College Softball State Championships Conclude at MCC on Tuesday
Muskegon CC will host the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) 2012 State Championship on Tuesday afternoon, May 8 after rain halted play on Sunday.
Kalamazoo Valley defeated Macomb CC 3-1 in the first game on Sunday, but then the rain halted the contest between Eastern Division leader Mott CC (20-4) and Western Division second place Muskegon CC (27-5). Those teams will play on Tuesday at 2 p.m.. That winner meets Kalamazoo Valley at 4 p.m. for the state championship.
Softball Defeats Kellogg CC 7-3, 8-0
The MCC softball squad swept a doubleheader against visiting Kellogg CC 7-3, 8-0,on Tuesday afternoon.
The Jayhawks jumped on KCC early on its way to a 7-3 win in the opener. MCC scored four times in the first frame. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) went 2-4, drove in one and scored two runs. She doubled in the second inning and singled in the fourth inning.
MCC piled on two more runs in the bottom of the second. Briggs started the inning with a double, scoring Ashley Jakus (Muskegon, MI/Reeths-Puffer) . That was followed up by a steal of home by Briggs that scored Briggs.
Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) allowed two earned runs, five hits and one walk while striking out five over seven innings of work.
MCC blasted three homer runs in the 8-0 win in game two. Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) homered in the first inning, Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) in the second inning, and Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) hit a round tripper in the Jayhawks five-run fifth inning.
Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) pitched five shutout innings to earn the victory on the mound. She struck out five while tossing a three hitter for the 36-9 Jayhawks, who are 27-5 and in second place in the Western Conference.
MCC, Grand Rapids CC Split Wins in Softball Slugfest Doubleheader
The MCC softball team, now 34-9 overall, defeated host Grand Rapids CC 9-8 before being nipped 12-11 in a doubleheader Friday afternoon that produced nearly 50 combined hits.
In the opener, Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) racked up three RBI on two hits, while Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) was 3-of-5 with two runs and Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) homered. The Jayhawks broke and 8-8 tie with the winning run in the top of the ninth.
Pitcher Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) got the win, She struck out five GRCC batters, walked three and surrendered 10 hits.
In the nightcap, 13 hits weren’t enough for MCC which allowed 15 hits to Grand Rapids in the eight-inning contest.
Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) was 3-of-5 with a fourth inning home run and a sixth inning double. MCC jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first. Basch singled in Briggs before Cudney homered. The visitors produced 11 runs after five frames and led 11-8. GRCC, who shutout the Jayhawks the remainder of the game, tied it in the sixth and won in the bottom of the eighth.
MCC, now 25-5 in the Western Conference, trails 23-3 frontrunner Kalamazoo Valley. Both teams have qualified for the NJCAA District G play.
Softball Cruises Past Glen Oaks 8-0, 20-1
The 11th ranked MCC softball team cruised past visiting Glens Oaks CC 8-0, 20-1 on Tuesday afternoon..
In the opener, Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) had two RBI on one hit. The Jayhawks’ Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) kept Glen Oaks CC off the scoreboard for all five innings she was on the hill. She threw a two-hitter with five strikeouts.
In game two, MCC scored 11 runs in the first three innings, sparked by a first inning steal of home by Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge), an error, and an RBI double by Janelle Agren (Cadillac, 
MI/Cadillac) during the first inning.
In the second frame, Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) had a solo homer and Cudney a two-run homer. Wozniak had three extra-base hits.
Sophomore pitcher Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) allowed just three hits, one earned run, and no walks. She struck out five during her five innings of work.
MCC Softball Sweeps Davenport JV 9-4, 13-5
The MCC softball squad swept a doubleheader from visiting Davenport JV 9-4 and 13-5 on a gusty Monday afternoon.
Now 31-8 overall, the Jayhawks were led offensively in the opener by Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) who went 3-4 with a run, Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) who scored three runs on three walks, and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) who had two runs and an RBI with a triple and a walk. Haleigh Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) had two RBI, a hit and a base on balls.
Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) recorded the win for MCC. She allowed three runs over 3 2/3 innings, with two strikeouts.
The Jayhawks never surrendered the lead after the first inning, scoring three runs on an RBI double by Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge), an RBI single by Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly), and a steal of home by Sanicki.
In game two, MCC pushed across nine runs in the second inning and never looked back in the five-inning contest.
Basch registered three runs, three hits and three runs batted in. Alyssa Telling (Flushing, MI/Flushing) had two hits and two RBI and Cudney belted a two-run homer.
Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) got the win, throwing shutout ball and seven strikeouts over four innings.
National, Conference Softball Powers MCC and Kalamazoo Valley Split Doubleheader
The 11th ranked MCC softball team and 12th ranked Kalamazoo Valley CC split a doubleheader Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo in a key battle between the Western Conference frontrunners.
MCC’s offense, which was sluggish in a 1-0 loss in the opener, pounded out the runs in a 15-5 victory in game two.
“This was one of the greatest ball games I’ve ever coached,” said Jayhawks Coach Matt Houseman. “Two of the top teams in the state went toe-to-toe today and our girls battled every pitch.”
MCC pitcher Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) allowed just one run on five hits while striking out five in the opener, but the Jayhawks couldn’t push a run across the plate. MCC outhit their foes 6-5 and had four walks. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) had three hits. KVCC’s Jacy Hagelgans struck out 10 MCC batters.
In game two, a nine-run explosion in the fourth inning hoisted MCC to a 15-5 win in five innings.
Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) had two RBI on two hits – a third inning two-run homer and a fourth inning single. The Jayhawks took the lead for good in the second inning on a two RBI Leah Hosking (Williamston, MI/Williamston) double and a Haleigh Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) RBI single.
Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) held KVCC hitless over 1 2/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out two. Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) got the win. She allowed allowed five runs and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings with a strikeout and a walk.
MCC is now 22-4 in the league and 29-8 overall, while KVCC is 17-3 in the conference and 22-7 overall.
#11 Softball Sweeps Lansing CC; Showdown with #12 Kalamazoo Valley Saturday
The 11th ranked MCC softball team defeated visiting Lansing CC 2-1 and 11-3 on a cold and damp Friday afternoon.
The two league wins boosted the Jayhawks conference mark to 21-3 and sets up a key match-up with 12th ranked Kalamazoo Valley on Saturday. KVCC at 16-2 is slightly ahead of MCC in percentage points for first place in the Western Conference but has played six less league games to date.
MCC Sweeps Ancilla College 3-1, 4-3
The 11th Ranked MCC softball team upped its record to 26-7 after sweeping host Ancilla College 3-1, 4-3 on Thursday in Donaldson, Ind.
Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) went 2-3 in the opener, tripling in the fourth inning and adding a single in the seventh. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run. Jayhawks pitcher Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) worked out of 12 tough spots in a complete game, five hit effort.
In game two, Haleigh Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) went 3-3 at the plate . She singled in the third and fifth innings and doubled in the sixth inning. Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) held Ancilla hitless over 2 1/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out one.
MCC is 19-3 in the conference in a race with 16-2 Kalamazoo Valley for the Western Division final top spot.
11th Ranked Softball Blanks Jackson CC 4-0, 8-0
The torrid MCC softball squad shutout host Jackson CC twice, 4-0 and 8-0, on Tuesday afternoon to remain one game out of first place in the MCCAA Western Conference standings.
The Jayhawks, now 17-3 in the league, trail first place Kalamazoo Valley with its 16-2 mark.
“It’s exciting to get out of Jackson with two quality wins against a good team,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman, whose team is 24-7 overall. “We’re starting to create a little separation in the conference.” Third place Grand Rapids CC owns a 13-7 record.
Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) went the distance on the mound for the win. She allowed four hits and two walks with one strikeout. Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) was 2-for-3 with a triple and homer, scoring two runs and having two RBI. Boo Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) went 3-for-4, including two doubles, with a run and an RBI. MCC broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the top of the third inning.
In game two, MCC kept JCC off from the scoreboard in the five inning game. The Jayhawks out across a trio of runs in the fifth inning on an error and a two-run double by Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly), her second extra-base hit.
Jayhawks pitcher Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) had seven strikeouts in the two-hit shutout.
Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia), Stickler-Gatson and Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) combined for five hits and three RBIs.
MCC scored two runs in the first inning on an error and a sacrifice fly by Basch. The Jayhawks added two in the fourth when Janelle Agren (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) doubled to score Sanicki. Haleigh Burns’s (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) pinch hit single scored Agren.
11th Ranked Softball Splits with LMC
An impressive five-run, fourth inning rally sparked a 10-4 MCC win over Lake Michigan College on Saturday afternoon, when the Jayhawks lost 2-1 in the nightcap despite outhitting their visitors.
After LMC took a 4-0 lead in the third frame, MCC roared back with five runs in the fourth frame. The Jayhawks scored on a sacrifice fly by Leah Hosking (Williamston, MI/Williamston), an RBI single by Jessica Shelton (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport), and a three-run home run by Janelle Agren (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac). Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) racked up three RBI on two hits, including a sixth inning homer.
Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) notched the win by allowing four runs over five innings. She had four strikeouts, one walk and gave up four hits.
MCC increased its lead with four runs in the sixth. Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) singled to score Mari Anderson (Hesperia, MI/Hesperia) and Shelton. Cudney’s two-run home run scored Basch.
In the second game MCC outhit LMC 7-5 but fell 2-1 on the scoreboard. Basch was 2-for-2 as she singled in the first and tripled in the fifth inning.
Both teams exchanged a run in the first inning, with the Jayhawks’ lone run batted in by Basch. MCC’s Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) kept LMC to just two hits and no earned runs in her five innings of work
11th Ranked Softball Beats Ancilla 8-0, 5-2
A sixth inning rally gave the 11th ranked MCC softball team a 5-2 come-from behind victory over visiting Ancilla College on Friday afternoon, when the Jayhawks shutout their foes 8-0 in the nightcap.
Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall ) pitched a complete game, with four strikeouts and one one base on balls allowed, for the win. Both sophomore Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) went 2-for-3 at the plate.
In the second test, winning MCC pitcher Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) threw five innings, with a walk and a strikeout. Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) closed the game in the sixth inning.
Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) recorded two triples and a single, while Danielle “Boo” Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) added a pair of hits.
MCC, now 19-6 overall, remained tied for first in the Western Conference with its 12-2 record.
MCC Softball Sweeps Kellogg CC 5-0, 13-0
The 13th ranked MCC softball squad kept host Kellogg CC scoreless on Tuesday afternoon, when the Jayhawks swept a doubleheader 5-0 and 13-0 in Battle Creek, MI.
Kaitlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) threw a two-hit shutout with a pair of strikeouts in the opener. MCC never trailed after scoring three runs in the second on an error, a sacrifice fly by Lindsey Kelenske (Muskegon, MI/North Muskegon) and a wild pitch. Kelenske, Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) led the Jayhawks offense.
In the second game, Cudney drilled home runs in the first and third innings, while Haleigh Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) blasted one over the fence in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Jayhawks took control early producing seven runs in the first three frames.
Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Muskegon Catholic Central)got the win for throwing two-one-one-third innings of shutout ball for the 17-6 Jayhawks, who remain tied for first atop the MCCAA Western Division with a 10-2 mark.
13th Ranked Softball Takes Two from Grand Rapids CC 8-3, 8-0
The 13th ranked MCC softball squad overpowered visiting Grand Rapids CC 8-3, 8-0 in a conference doubleheader on Friday afternoon.
“This was a good win for us,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman after the opener. “Katy Burns threw a great game. The girls came to play today against a great opponent.”
Both teams began the day with 6-2 league marks, but the Jayhawks are now tied with Kalamazoo Valley CC atop the Western Conference with their 8-2 record.
Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) ignited the Jayhawks offense with her double in the third inning and single in the fifth. Meanwhile. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) also added two hits and a run. On the mound, Burns allowed three runs over seven innings. She had two strikeouts, three walks and allowed just six hits.
In the second game, GRCC had no answer for MCC Hurler Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central), who threw a three-hit shutout and struck out five batters. MCC scored six runs in the first three innings to put the game away early.
The Jayhawks benefitted from an RBI triple by Elizabeth Cudney(Montague, MI/Montague) in the first, coupled with a steal of home by Lindsey Kelenske (Muskegon, MI/North Muskegon), an RBI single by Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek), and an RBI single by Basch in the second frame. Cammin racked up two RBI on three hits.
MCC, now 15-6 overall, ran wild on the basepaths, finishing with six steals. Jessica Shelton(Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) with one apiece and Kelenske and Cammin each with two steals.
MCC Softball Takes 5-4 Win, Then Loses 12-2 to Kalamazoo Valley
“Boo” Basch’s (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh gave the MCC softball team a dramatic 5-4 win against visiting Kalamazoo Valley CC on Saturday, when KVCC came back in the second game to down the Jayhawks 12-2.
“This was a great battle between two good teams,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman.
Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) went 3-4 with two runs, while Jessica Shelton (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) was 3-3 with a run. Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) got the win in relief allowing no hits in one and two-third innings.
In the second game, MCC was hurt by its five errors. The Jayhawks fell behind 9-0 before scoring its only runs in the bottom of the third frame. Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) was 2-2 and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) was 2-3.
MCC is now 6-2 in the league and 13-6 overall, while KVCC is 3-1 and 8-5.
Home Runs Help MCC Softball Earn Split with Lansing CC
The MCC softball team belted four home runs to beat host Lansing CC 12-2 before being edged 9-8 in the second contest on Thursday afternoon.
“Boo” Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) had two homers, while Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) had one apiece. Cammin and Basch both had four RBI in the contest. MCC jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one inning, then put five runs across the plate in the second frame to seal the win. Jayhawks pitcher Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) went the distance for the win.
In the second game, MCC failed to take advantage of Cammin’s effort at the plate. Cammin rocked LCC with two home runs, going 3-3 in the game with four RBIs and three runs scored.
The Jayhawks scored on a two-run homer by Lindsey Kelenske (Muskegon, MI/North Muskegon) in the second inning, a two-run homer by Cammin in the third inning, an RBI double by Cammin, an RBI single by Taylor Sanicki, and a groundout by Leah Hosking (Williamston, MI/Williamston) in the fifth inning, and a home run by Cammin in the sixth inning.
Trailing 9-4 after three innings, MCC closed the gap to 9-8 after six innings but could get no closer. The Jayhawks are now 5-1 in the league and 12-5 overall.
Seventh Inning Heroics Help Softball Sweep Jackson CC 8-7, 8-1
The MCC softball squad strung together five straight hits for four runs in a come-from-behind 8-7 victory over visiting Jackson CC in the first game of a doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon.
The freshman Jayhawks pitcher Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning) threw a five-hitter in MCC’s 8-1 win in the nightcap.
DeAnna Stickler Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) singled in the two winning runs in the remarkable seventh inning rally in the opener.
“It was a gutty win for us to come back and win that in the seventh,” said MCC Coach Matt Houseman. “We didn’t perform up to our standards but it was great to see the girls come to life.”
In addition to Stickler Gatson, other Jayhawks with two hits in the game included Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores), “Boo” Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge), Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague), Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) and Leah Hosking (Williamson, MI/Williamston).
Sophomore hurler Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) notched the win for the Western Division co-leaders with a 4-0 league mark and 11-4 over all record.
In the second contest, Wozniak struck out three Jackson batters and allowed only one walk. Ariel Cammin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek) hammered out three hits, with Briggs, Basch and Sanicki added two apiece.
“We played like we can and Woz had a great outing on the mound for us,” said Coach Houseman. “Our bats came to life and we played very well defensively.”
Softball Downs Lake Michigan CC 12-1, 9-6
The Jayhawks softball squad opened league play by sweeping a doubleheader from Lake Michigan College, 12-1 in 5 innings and 9-6, in Benton Harbor, MI on Wednesday afternoon.
Now 9-4 overall, MCC pounded out 17 hits, including eight runs in the second inning, to secure the win in game one. Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) went 4-for-4 at the plate, with two runs and an RBI. Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) was 2-for-4 with three RBI and a pair of runs. Leah Hosking (Williamston, MI/Williamston) was 2-for-3 with two runs. Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) allowed just three hits in four innings to pick up the victory on the mound.
In the second game, MCC jumped to a 6-0 lead after the first inning. LMC cut the margin to 7-6 after four, but the Jayhawks responded quickly with two runs in the top of the fifth. Briggs, Basch, Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) each had two hits, while Hosking crushed a two-run homer. Kaytlin Wozniak (Pinconning, MI/Pinconning), who got the win, allowed just one earned run in four innings. Burns gave up just one hit in three innings of relief.
Softball Loses to Capital 5-7, Cruises Past Mercyhurst 3-1
Augustana JV Sweeps Softball 7-4, 3-2
The Augustana JV softball team swept a doubleheader from MCC by 7-4, 3-2 margins on Wednesday afternoon in Clermont, Fla.
Now 6-3 and idle on Thursday, the Jayhawks took an early 1-0 lead in the opener with hits by Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Ariel Carmin (Midland, MI/Bullock Creek). Carmen had two hits and two RBI in the contest. Augustana’s four-run fourth inning and two-run sixth frame proved decisive.
In the second contest, MCC evened the second game at 2-2 with a run in the top of the sixth, but Augustana pushed across the winning tally in the bottom of the seventh. Briggs and Carmin again led the Jayhawks attack as each went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Softball Rolls Past Davenport JV 16-4, Routs Mercyhurst NE 10-1
On Tuesday afternoon in Clermont, FL, a second inning, eight-run explosion, helped MCC coast to a 10-1 victory over Mercyhurst NE in just five innings. Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/ Montague) had three RBIs, with a homer in the second and a single in the fourth. Pitcher Caitlin Catlow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) threw a three-hitter and struck out three batters.
MCC scored seven runs in the fifth inning to close out a 16-4 decision over the Davenport JV on Tuesday 16-4 in Clermont, FL.
The Jayhawks’ big inning was sparked by a wild pitch, and successive RBI on a Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) triple and doubles by Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) and Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge), who was 3-for-3 on the day.
In the top of first, MCC went ahead 2-0 and increased the margin with Elizabeth Cudney’s three-run homer in the third inning. Brittany Brown (Grand Gaven, MI/Grand Haven) got the win in relief. MCC finished with eight steals, led by Basch with three and Briggs with two.
Softball Defeats Houghton College 11-2
The MCC softball team defeated Houghton College 11-2 on Monday in Clermont, Fla. The Jayhawks broke open the back-and-forth contest in the third frame. Danielle Basch (Muskegon, MI/Oakridge) racked up four RBIs on two hits, including a double in the third inning and a home run in the sixth inning.
Katlynn Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) got the win, allowing two runs over four innings. She struck out five, walked three and surrendered two hits. Kaia Swain (Muskegon, MI/Reeths-Puffer) rose to the occasion out of the bullpen, hurling two innings of shutout ball with three strikeouts. Aggressive baserunning led to six steals, paced by Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) with two each.
Softball Routs Davenport University JV 14-1
A six-run seventh inning the MCC softball team’s 14-1 win over the Davenport University JV on Monday in Clermont, FL.
Both Jessica Shelton (Fruitport, MI/Fruitport) and Kaia Swain (Muskegon, MI/Reeths-Puffer) had RBI singles in the seventh. Janelle Agren (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) paced the offense with four RBI on two hits. She tripled in the first and second innings. Davenport University J.V. managed just two hits off of Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central), who allowed no earned runs, walked two and struck out four during her seven innings of work.
Now 4-1 overall, MCC took the lead for good in the first inning, scoring four runs on a two-run home run by Deanna Stickler-Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly), a groundout by Leah Hosking (Williamston, MI/Williamston), and an RBI triple by Agren.
Fifth Ranked Softball Splits with Mercyhurst NE
The fifth-ranked MCC softball team split a doubleheader with Mercyhurst Northeast (PA) on Sunday at the National Training Center in Clermont, Fla.
The Jayhawks, now 2-1, trailed 3-0 after four innings in the opener before earning a 5-3 victory. In the second game, the teams reversed roles. MCC led 2-0 after one inning before Mercyhurst produced five unanswered runs to defeat the Jayhawks 5-3.
Softball Downs Centre College 9-5 in Opener
Playing on Friday night in brutally freezing temperatures, the fifth ranked MCC women’s softball team opened the 2012 season in Danville, KY, where the Jayhawks defeated NCAA Div. III Centre College 9-5 in the season opener for both squads.
Sophomore pitcher Katy Burns (Fruitport, MI/Whitehall) allowed just one run in four innings to notch the MCC win, while sophomore Caitlin Callow (Muskegon, MI/Catholic Central) got the save allowing a run in one inning.
MCC took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Taylor Sanicki (Ionia, MI/Ionia) singled in DeAnna Gatson (Lansing, MI/Waverly) then scored on a passed ball. Sanicki finished with two hits and two RBI. The Jayhawks led 4-1 before Centre tied the game with a trio of runs in the bottom of the fifth.
With one out in the top of the sixth, Kaytlin Wozniak’s pinch-hit triple scored Dana Briggs (Muskegon, MI/Mona Shores) and Gatson. MCC added three more runs in the top of the seventh. Briggs had two hits in the game, while Elizabeth Cudney (Montague, MI/Montague) had a triple.
Jayhawks Softball Ranked Fifth in Nation
The Muskegon Community College women’s softball team is ranked fifth nationally in the NJCAA Div. II Softball pre-season rankings.
Louisiana State University at Eunice holds the top spot, followed by Kankakee (IL) CC, South Mountain CC of Phoenix, AZ, Iowa Central CC and Muskegon CC. Rounding out the top ten are Heartland CC of Normal, Ill., Labette CC of Parsons, KS, Pasco-Hernando CC of New Port Richey, FL., Phoenix (AZ) College and Jones County Junior College of Ellisville, MS.
The MCC Jayhawks, guided by sixth year Head Coach Matt Houseman, open the 2012 season on Feb. 11 at Centre College in Danville, KY.