Cassopolis’ Erica Williams (left) tags out a Grace Christian runner at second. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

Something rare took place in the opener of Monday’s softball doubleheader between Cassopolis and Watervliet Grace Christian.

To help speed up the game and get to the second game, the two coaches agreed to an international tiebreaker with the game tied at 6 after eight innings. In that situation, both teams lead off an inning with a runner on second base.

The Patriots eventually won the opener, 11-9, in 10 innings. Game two was called because of darkness after four innings. Watervliet Grace led that unoffical game, 11-4.

“It’s the first time we’ve had to deal with it,” said second-year Cassopolis softball coach Jason Schmidt. “It’s a little different, but both teams get the same opportunity. We had chances to win the first game. We ran out of gas in the second game. I’m pleased with the way we played.”

Watervliet Grace scored four runs in the top of the 10th to take an 11-7 lead. Sydney Gardner’s RBI single was the lone hit in the inning for the visitors, who had runners reach on a third strike wild pitch, a walk and a hit by pitch.

The Rangers scored twice in the bottom of the 10th with Michelle Green collecting and RBI triple and Kayla Rowan collecting an RBI double.

Green had three hits and three RBIs in game one, while Alley Anderson had two hits and two RBIs for the Rangers.

“What I love about my kids is that we’re not rolling over,” Schmidt said. “We don’t quit. They’re a bunch of go-getters and good ball players.”

Emily Essmyer’s homer in the top of the seventh for Watervliet Grace tied the game at 6. It was her second homer of the game.

In game two, both teams scored four runs in first inning. Nikki Keefe, Anderson and Green each had an RBI single for Cassopolis.

Watervliet Grace got a two-run homer from Jaidyn Hutsell in a four-run second and a two-run single from Chrystal Kendrix in a three-run fourth.

WATERVLIET GRACE 11-11, CASSOPOLIS 7-4

First Game

Grace              103     010     101     4 – 11 6 1

Cassopolis      302     001      001    2 – 9 10 1

Kelsey Smith, Jaidyn Hutsell (W, 6) and Emily Essmyer; Rachelle Williams (L, 4-2) and Kayla Rowan

2B: Rowan (C)

3B: Michelle Green 2 (C)

HR: Essmyer 2 (GC)

Second Game

Grace              440     3 – 11 9 2

Cassopolis      400     0 – 4 8 3

Jaidyn Hutsell and Emily Essmyer; Jayna Locke and Kayla Rowan

2B: Essmyer 2 (GC), Hutsell (GC), Sydney Gardner (GC), Kelsey Smith, Locke (C), Michelle Green (C)

HR: Hutsell (GC)

Varsity records: Watervliet Grace 13-3, Cassopolis 4-3