Negaunee second basemen Jessica Heroux tags out a Kingsford runner as she tries to steal second base in the fourth inning of the first game of their high school softball doubleheader played at LaCombe Field in Negaunee on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

NEGAUNEE — The Negaunee softball team finished off an impressive regular season with a sweep of Kingsford on Thursday.

The Miners (27-7) defeated Kingsford 7-2 in the opener and then 4-0 in the nightcap. Abby Nelson picked up both wins in the circle for Negaunee.

“It’s been a great year so far, but we still have a ways to go,” Negaunee head coach Randy Carlson said about the upcoming postseason.

In the first game, Negaunee struck first with a run in the opening frame and added another in the third. However, Kingsford rallied and tied the game with two runs in the fourth.

The Miners wouldn’t be denied, though, as they plated five runs in the bottom of the sixth to take control, Nelson then shut down the Flivvers in the seventh to complete the win. She threw four innings in relief, giving up two runs on two hits with four strikeouts.

“Abby really stepped up for us today,” Carlson said. “She really kept their hitters off balance.”

Kenzie Karki led Negaunee at the plate, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs, while Nelson had two hits and knocked in a run and Hannah Voskuhl drove in two runs.

The second game was a pitcher’s duel between Nelson and Kingsford’s Maggie Strehlow as the two kept the game scoreless through three innings.

But the Miners got to Strehlow in the fourth as they plated a run and then completed their victory with three more in the sixth.

Nelson gave up just two hits and struck out five to earn the win.

Katelyn Lammi led the Miners offensively with a home run.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.