Key conference softball games set for this week

Lexi Szymoniak takes a powerful cut at a pitch.

The stage is set for one of the biggest softball doubleheaders in northern Michigan as the Huron softball team takes its 13-3, (8-0 in the North Star League) record into a key matchup with undefeated Hillman 16-0 at the Gilpin Field Thursday. The games, which begin at 4 p.m., will decide the conference championship.

The Lady Tigers are coming off a road sweep over Posen, Monday night.

Coach Karl Grambau is happy with how the season has been progressing and is excited about the potential of this team.

“We are improving each day, getting better and better and more comfortable with our positions. We are happy to have the home field advantage and hope to have a lot of fans to cheer us on,” he said.

THE CARDINAL softball team had a busy week on the diamond. Monday they traveled to Forest Area and earned a sweep to improve to 5-1 in Ski Valley Conference play.

The Cardinals are now 9-7 overall. They play at Rudyard today (Thursday) and will be at Petoskey Saturday and at Gaylord St. Mary Monday.

FOR THE VIKINGS (4-10 overa

ll), sophomore Sam Lenard had a two RBI single, while junior Jolene Reese had an RBI single. Senior Amy Buczkowski also had a two RBI triple. Junior Kayla Lenard doubled.

Posen lost a pair Monday to visiting Hillman, 11-6 and 21-9.

“We are not hitting the ball very well right now, and when you combine that with double digit errors defensively, leads to our lack of success on the field,” said Viking coach Glenn Budnick. “This teams needs to get back to basic fundamentals in all aspects of the game.”

(Complete story is in the May 7, 2015 edition of the Advance)