WATERVLIET — Host Grace Christian banged out 24 hits and scored 23 runs in sweeping Cassopolis 7-1 and 16-6 in softball action Thursday.

Grace Christian finished the doubleheader with seven extra base hits off two Ranger pitchers.

In the opener, Rylie Hess, Sydney Gardner and Michaela Kendrix all doubled for Grace Christian, which also got a home run by Emily Essmyer.

Kaylyn Forrest was 2-for-3 with a double.

In the nightcap, Essmyer hit another home run, while Jaidyn Hutsell, who was the winning pitcher in both games, doubled twice.

Kayla Rowan was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Jayna Locke was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

The Rangers also got doubles from Kaitlyn Hartsell and Erica Williams.

“Even though we lost, we played much better than the other night,” Cassopolis coach Demi Schrader said. “We were making plays and playing pretty good defense.”

 

GRACE CHRISTIAN 7-16, CASSOPOLIS 1-6

At Watervliet

First game

Cassopolis      001     000     0 – 1 4 6

Grace              001     033     x – 7 10 2

Jaidyn Hutsell (W); Olivia Purlee (L).

2B: Kaylyn Forrest (C), Rylie Hess (GC), Sydney Gardner (GC), Michaela Kendrix (GC).

HR: Emily Essmyer (GC).

 

Second game

Cassopolis      310     20 – 6 9 6

Grace              407     41 – 16 14 3

Jaidyn Hutsell (W); Jayna Locke (L), Olivia Purlee (2).

2B: Kaitlyn Hartsell (C), Erica Williams (C), Locke (C), Kayla Rowan (C), Hutsell (GC) 2.

HR: Emily Essmyer (GC).

Varsity record: Cassopolis 6-8.