Softball: Junior Chargers split at the Quad

Defense was the key Saturday, as the Midland Dow junior varsity softball team was able to play solid defensive softball to pull out a close 5-4 contest versus Coleman before errors caught up with them in the nightcap falling to cross-town rival Midland 13-10 at the Midland Quad.

Staci Thornton took the mound in the opener for the Chargers allowing four hits and striking out twelve to pick up the win.

“Staci had good control on the mound and our defense was solid behind her,” said Dow coach Kim Dankert.

A host of Chargers led Dow offensively, as Kaitly Voet went 2-for-3 and Ashley McIntyre finished 2-for-4 with a double, but the key hit came from Kikki Lone.

In the bottom of the seventh, Lone came to the plate like mighty Casey with a chance to win the game. But unlike Casey, when the moment was upon her, Lone came through connecting on a walk-off double pushing home the game’s winning run.

Sam Wood started for the Chargers in the nightcap, but was roughed up by a ferocious Chemic offense and was replaced after allowing six runs. Midland scored nine runs in the second to take a commanding lead.

Dow was down, but they weren’t out, yet.

The Chargers responded with three runs of their own to close the gap, but Dow made too many defensive mistakes and was not able to complete the comeback.

“We struggled a little bit defensively,” Dankert said. “We had several physical errors, but the girls kept their heads in the game and never gave up.”

Thornton replaced wood and allowed six hits while striking out four.

Offensively, Taylor Thurston led the Chargers going 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs. Thornton finished 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, while Samantha Lantvit and Lonne both finished 2-for-4, as well.

Dow’s record moved to 16-4-1 overall and 11-3 in league play. The Chargers return to action Monday, when they travel to cross-town rival Midland to take on the Chemics. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.