By By SCOTT NOVAK / NIles Daily Star
NILES - Despite a 17 strike out performance by pitcher Kelli Zache in the title tilt, the Brandywine's varsity softball team lost its own invitational tournament on Saturday to Byron Center.
The Lady Bobcats (20-5) dropped a 2-0 decision to Byron Center in the championship game.
Brandywine reached the title game with a 3-2 victory over Gabriel Richard in the opening game of the Brandywine Invitational. Byron Center got to the championship game with a win over Hartford in the other semifinal.
In the consolation contest Gabriel Richard defeated Hartford, 8-2.
Zache fanned 17 in the championship game, however, Bryon Center scored two runs in the sixth inning to take home the first place hardware.
Both teams had four hits in the championship game and the two squads combined for seven errors.
In the opening game against Richard, Zache picked up the victory and had a triple for the Lady Bobcats. Brandywine finished with six hits.
Brandywine scored all three runs in the third inning, while Gabriel Richard scored both of its runs in the fourth inning.
The Lady Bobcats will attempt to lock up the Lakeland Conference championship, its seventh straight title, on Tuesday when it hosts Cassopolis.
Brandywine needs to win just one of the two games to win the title outright. The twinbill is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.