By Jeff Patrus
Sports Writer
After a season-opening doubleheader loss, the Brandon varsity softball team has clamped down on its opponents.
The Blackhawks allowed a total of one run in their most recent three games, all victories. In its most recent action April 11, Brandon opened its Flint Metro League season in style, defeating host Lapeer East 3-0 in the opener and 4-1 in the nightcap.
Brandon improved to 3-2 overall on the young season, and 2-0 in league competition.
Jill Perry blanked the Eagles in the opener, allowing only three hits while striking out 14. Lauren Ross went 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Jessica Liebner and Lauren Ross each went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Jackie Wojtkowicz scored the Blackhawks? other run of the contest.
In the second game against Lapeer East, it was Wojtkowicz’s turn to shine on the mound, allowing one run on three hits while striking out 16.
The Blackhawks scored two runs in the first inning, and added one each in the third and fifth innings. Ashley Brady led the Brandon offense by going 2-for-4, while Meridith Dura drove in two runs.
Wojtkowicz again proved to be dominant against Rochester Adams in an April 8 contest, striking out 13 Highlanders as Brandon earned a 3-0 win. The Blackhawks scored one run in the sixth inning and two in the seventh on their way to the win.
Brady and Chelsea Wengren each went 2-for-3 for the Blackhawks, while Dura drove in two runs.
In their season opener against Kearsley April 7, the Blackhawks got off on the wrong foot, losing both ends of a doubleheader, 6-3 and 9-3.
In the opener, Brandon allowed two runs in the first inning and three in the third inning, digging itself a hole from which it could not recover. The Blackhawks tried to come back by scoring two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth, but Kearsley answered with one run in the sixth.
Wengren and Chelsea Sherman provided some bright spots for the Blackhawks, with each tallying two hits in the contest.
The news was no better in the nightcap, as Kearsley scored two runs in the second inning and three in the third on their way to the win, adding four runs in the sixth for good measure.
Schaefer and Jennifer Sherman each led the Brandon offense with two hits apiece in the nightcap.