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MARQUETTE — The Marquette Senior High School softball team salvaged a doubleheader split while ending its losing streak by winning the second game of a doubleheader against Calumet on Friday afternoon.

Playing at Lions Field, the Sentinels fell 18-14 in the opener before bouncing back for a 19-13 win in the nightcap to break what had become a three-game losing streak.

In Game 1, the Copper Kings wasted no time getting on the board early, capitalizing on Marquette’s defensive miscues to establish a lead.

Marquette’s Cece Fuller sprints full speed to first base trying to leg out a hit in the bottom of the first inning of the opening game of a high school softball doubleheader played against Calumet at Lions Field in Marquette on Friday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Despite a valiant effort from Marquette, including standout performances from Cece Fuller and a resilient offensive display in the third inning when the team put up 10 runs, the Sentinels fell short to Calumet’s relentless hitting barrage.

MSHS pitcher Charlye Swajanen threw a whopping total of 181 pitches in the game’s seven innings.

Then in Game 2, the script flipped as the Sentinels unleashed an offensive onslaught out of the gate, scoring 10 runs in the opening inning to seize control right off the bat.

“We said … we have to eliminate our first innings,” Marquette head coach Derek Swajanen said. “They’ve been horrible. But … we were getting there. We’re getting there, getting there.

“And then … it finally clicked in with everybody.”

Marquette pitcher Charlye Swajanen resets herself before a pitch late in the second game of a high school softball doubleheader played against Calumet at Lions Field in Marquette on Friday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Firing on all cylinders, the almost reached 20 runs to secure the victory, delivering a massive response to their earlier defeat. Throughout the game, Marquette’s depth and versatility were on full display.

“Everyone throughout the lineup hit the ball really well, and in general, toward the gaps,” Coach Swajanen said. “So they did a really nice job.”

Marquette’s offensive prowess was evident, with players all through the lineup contributing. From clutch hits to disciplined plate approaches, numerous players had a vital role.

“We had some big boom sticks that came in with Charlye almost hitting a dinger off the top of the wall with the bases loaded,” Coach Swajanen said. “Anna Melka and Lexie L’Huillier did a great job singling … everybody throughout the lineup hit the ball really well and in general toward the gaps, and they did a really nice job.”

Looking ahead, Marquette is poised to build on its success, using momentum from the doubleheader split to propel the Sentinels forward.

MSHS travels to Gladstone today for a doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m., then returns home for a pair of twinbills later this week, hosting Westwood at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Negaunee at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.

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