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NATIONAL MINE — Two complete-game performances on the pitching rubber and lots of slugging led Negaunee to a high school softball doubleheader sweep of Westwood at the National Mine field on Monday.

The Miners improved to 17-0 thanks to a razor-sharp focus after a busy weekend and plenty of games coming up this week, according to coach Randy Carlson.

“The girls played really well, they’re swinging the bats well,” Carlson said. “I’m really happy after a busy week. I figure with all the games we’ve been playing, we haven’t had a practice in almost two weeks.

Westwood second baseman Jillian Koski dives and catches a ball hit by Negaunee's Makenna Crookham during their high school softball doubleheader played in National Mine on Monday. (Photo courtesy Daryl T. Jarvinen)

“It’s great to have this kind of success, but you have to stay focused and make sure the little things continue to be taken care of.

“That’s what makes the difference when you’re talking about the best teams.”

The Miners host Calumet in a doubleheader today and host Gladstone in a twinbill on Thursday before heading to Wisconsin to play at Rhinelander for a double dip on Saturday morning.

Westwood hosts Gwinn in a twinbill on Wednesday.

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Negaunee 15, Westwood 5

In Monday’s opener, Josie Thomson was her own best friend. She tossed a six-inning complete game, allowing five runs on five hits as she didn’t walk anybody and struck out 11.

Then at the plate, she went 4 for 4 with a triple and an RBI. Teammate Morgan Carlson added a 3-for-3 day with a double and three RBIs, while Samantha Richards cracked a two-run homer in the opening inning.

Allie Radcliffe started on the rubber for Westwood before giving way to her sister Alexa Radcliffe in the fourth of fifth inning, according to Carlson.

The Patriots’ Natalie Prophet and Jillian Koski each collected two hits.

Negaunee jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the fourth before Westwood got on the scoreboard.

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Negaunee 18, Westwood 7

In the nightcap, the Miners scored at least three runs in every inning as pitcher Larissa Anderson was the recipient. She allowed seven runs on nine hits and two walks as she fanned four.

Megan Marta started for Westwood before again giving way to Alexa Radcliffe in the fourth.

Katelyn Lammi led the Miners, going 3 for 3 with a two-run homer in the second and accumulating five RBIs.

Teammate Katrina Symons scored three times while getting a hit.

Alexa Radcliffe was 3 for 3 and Marta 2 for 2 as each had a double.

Negaunee led just 3-2 after one inning and 7-4 after two before erupting for seven more runs in the third.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.