Split spoils winning streak

Published 8:20 am Wednesday, April 26, 2006

By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - For the first time in five years, the Brandywine varsity softball team lost a Lakeland Conference game.
Heading into the nightcap of Tuesday evening's doubleheader, the Bobcats had 64 straight conference wins after taking a 3-1 victory in the first game against visiting Buchanan.
However, the Bucks, who held a 4-0 conference record with the Bobcats before the game, weren't ready to give up their No. 1 spot and handed Brandywine a 7-6 loss, snapping their winning streak.
Dowagiac was the last team to beat the Bobcats back in 2001, when the Chieftains were part of the Lakeland Conference.
The Lady Cats carried a 4-0 lead entering the bottom of the third inning. That's when the Bucks decided enough was enough. Freshman Jayme O'Bryant nailed a three-run home run to bring Buchanan within one run of a tie, 4-3. O'Bryant had a solo home run in the fifth to tie the game at 5 and added a RBI double in the sixth to give Buchanan a 7-5 lead.
Brandywine's last chance to take the lead fell short in the bottom of the seventh when the ‘Cats could only bring one run across the plate.
Ashley Pointer took the win on the mound in the second game. Pointer threw three strikeouts, allowed two walks and gave up seven hits.
Kelli Zache, who was battling some shoulder discomfort and a slight illness, suffered the loss when she came in for relief for sister, Kendra. Kelli, now 9-5 on the season, and Kendra (2-1) both had five strikeouts in the game.
In the first game, Kelli picked up the win, throwing 10 strikeouts and allowing three walks. Pointer suffered the loss.
Both teams are now tied for second place with 5-1 records. Coloma is currently sitting in the No. 1 spot with a 6-0 record after defeating Edwardsburg Tuesday.
Top hitters in the first game were Kristina Ford, who had a triple and two RBIs in the fourth inning, which allowed Brandywine to take a 2-1 lead after trailing the Bucks 1-0. Ford eventually scored, posting the final score.
Brooke Coshow and Mallory Barber each had a double for the Bobcats.
Holly Lucas added a double and a single for the Bucks.
In game two, Kendra Zache and Ford each had a single, a double and one RBI, Coshow had two singles and one RBI and O'Bryant had a double, two home runs and five RBIs.
Brandywine will be back in action on Saturday when it travels to the Mattawan Tournament, which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Buchanan travels to Coloma on Friday to take on the undefeated Comets. Game one is set for 4 p.m.