Wyoming, MI – The Grace Christian Softball team hosted Muskegon Community College this weekend for their home opener. This was a historical moment as this was the very first home opener for the Grace Christian Softball team, in their first year of the program. The two teams had previously met back in September for a scrimmage. The Tigers fell to the Jayhawks, who are now 5-7 overall.

Game One

Game One started off competitively, as Grace was able to score first off of a double by Kiersten Palmbos, driving Carlee DeVries home. However, the Jayhawks would fire right back each inning. On the mound, Tammy Perrotta threw well through six innings, but couldn’t quite finish the seventh. Emma Balkema came in to pitch in relief and was able to stop the bleeding, but not before the Jayhawks tallied 12 runs in the inning to bring the final score of Game One to 17-1. For the Tigers, Perrotta also hit a double. Skylar Lowe recorded two hits, while Lexie Alexander and DeVries each had one hit.

Game Two

Game Two proved to be more promising for the Grace Tigers as they kept it much closer. Muskegon would start off strong with two runs in the first inning, but those were the only two the Tigers would allow. In the fourth inning, a single by Emma Balkema, followed by a single by Lexie Alexander, allowed the Tigers to advance, eventually sending Balkema home. Grace was able to score their first and final run of the game. The Tigers fell 1-2 to the Jawhawks in six innings due to heavy rain. Balkema was the only Tiger to record a hit. Also the pitcher for the Tigers, Balkema had an outstanding game, recording 5 strikeouts to go along with only 2 hits given up across 5 innings of work.

Grace Softball, now 1-11, is on the road this week for a pair of double headers. Tomorrow they travel to Adrian, MI to face Siena Heights University, starting at 2pm. On Wednesday, they head over to the University of Olivet for another double header. The Tigers then have a week of rest before returning home to Kellogg Woods Park on March 28th.