By By TOM NYHUIS / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN - It has been 14 years since the Buchanan varsity softball team has been able to say they are Lakeland Conference champs.
On Tuesday afternoon that 14 year drought came to an end as coach Mike Welsh and the Lady Bucks secured at least a share of the title with Brandywine with a doubleheader win over Bridgman.
The tie is pending the outcome of the Bobcats final conference game against Cassopolis. Currently the Bobcats have one loss, that from the hands of the Lady Bucks.
Their meeting with the Rangers on Tuesday was postponed because of poor field conditions at Cassopolis due to the heavy rainfall over the past five days.
Buchanan got past Bridgman on Tuesday in the opener with a 1-0 win and celebrated the league title after a 8-0 victory in game two. The sweep gives the Lady Bucks a league mark of 13-1 and 19-1 overall.
In game one Buchanan's pitcher, junior Ashley Pointer, threw a one hitter and fired seven strike outs and no walks on the way to the 1-0 win. Buchanan scored the winning run in the fifth off losing pitcher Miranda Strefling who gave up four hits, walked four and struck out four.
Jayme O'Bryant picked up a double for the Bucks only extra base hit in the game.
The Lady Bucks wasted no time in the second game getting on track early, pushing a single run across in the first and tacked on four more runs in the second and adding a single run in the third, fourth, and fifth innings.
Once again Pointer picked up the win giving up four hits, two base on balls and striking out four.
Bridgman's Becca Groth took the loss for the Bees giving up seven hits walking two and striking out three. Pointer improves to 16-4 with the twin killing of the Bees.
Leading the Bucks at the plate was O'Bryant and Ashley Pointer each recording doubles in the game.
Buchanan will next play in the Mishawaka Tournament on Thursday and Saturday.