It was a week of ups and downs for the Oxford varsity girls softball team.
In league play, the girls faced their last four opponents of the season, beating Linden twice on May 15, but then losing two games to Lapeer West on Monday.
Against Linden, which Oxford beat 13-2 and 7-2, sophomore Corinne Luxton continued to be a star both defensively and offensively.
On the mound, Luxton struck out 16 batters.
Behind the plate, she had 7 RBIs including a 3-run homer in the first game and a 2-run homer in the second.
‘I cannot say enough about this kid and it’s nice to see some good out of all her hard work,? said Coach Sue Roeher. ‘And she’s only a sophomore!?
Luxton has hit 8 home runs this season.
Against Linden, senior Lauren LaCroix went 5 for 7 with 1 RBI and 4 runs scored.
Sophomore Chelsea Kessler went 2 for 4 with a double and 1 run scored.
Senior Sarah Paszko went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored. Sophomore Kelly Cartner went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs.
The Linden games were night and day compared to Oxford’s back-to-back losses to Lapeer West on Monday, which bested the Lady Cats 5-1 and 8-0.
In the first game, Chelsea Kessler and Cartner both went 1 for 3.
Roeher said Luxton pitched well, but she didn’t have any good defense backing her up.
In the second game, Roeher said her squad couldn’t get its offense started. This was compounded by 6 defensive errors.
Oxford finished its league play 5-9.
On Saturday, the team hosted the 4th Annual Jill Milosch Memorial Tournament.
Oxford beat Montrose 5-2 and Marlette 8-3, but was defeated by Utica Ford 9-5.
‘A great showing this weekend by my girls,? Roeher said. ‘We hit very well, compiling 30 hits total.?
Luxton continued to be a ‘huge presence? on the mound. She pitched 21 of 22 innings and only gave up 1 earned run while striking out 11 batters.
‘She is a force to be reckoned with!,? Roeher said.
Overall, the team is 12-15 this season.