The Jayhawk Softball Team opened their 2023-2024 season with a split on opening day of their spring training trip in Melbourne, Fl. Game 1 was a 6-5 loss to Macomb Community College and in game 2 they picked up a 4-1 victory over John Melvin University.

In the opener MCC held a 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the 7th but Macomb CC scored 4 runs for the walk off win. Lilli Goodrich (Ludington) pitched a fine game in the loss, working all 7 innings, and allowing only 5 hits in the loss. She was a perfect 3-3 at the plate. Illeana Hatcher (Whitehall) finished 1-4 with 2 RBI and Andrea Romero (Oakridge) was 1-4 with an RBI.

In game 2 the Jayhawks led 1-0 through 4 innings. They picked up 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th and an additional run in the bottom of the 6th before giving up a run in the top of the 7th. Brooklyn Galdeen (Oakridge) pitched a gem allowing only an unearned run on 6 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. She also helped her cause at the plate with a triple. The Oakridge connection was strong as Jasmine Pastor (Oakridge) was 2-4 with 2 RBI. Willo Staal (Fruitport) was 2-3 with a triple and Olive Staal (Fruitport) finished 1-3 with an RBI.

The Jayhawks are 1-1 on the early season. They return to the diamond with 3 games scheduled for Tuesday, 3/5.