By Journal Sports Staff

NEGAUNEE – The North Central Upper Peninsula girls softball team clinched a spot in the Little League state tournament it is hosting next week with a big victory on Tuesday night.

The 10- and 11-year-old team, made up of players from the Negaunee and Ishpeming associations, defeated Baraga 18-2 at LaCombe Field in Negaunee to sweep the best-of-three district tournament series. NC won the first game 15-1 on Monday.

NC will host the three-day state tourney in that division starting Friday, July 24, according to Negaunee LL officials. The exact number of teams and format have yet to be determined.

Larissa Anderson supported her winning pitching performance on Tuesday with a 2-for-3 night at the plate, including a double. On the rubber, she struck out eight while allowing four hits and four walks.

Katelyn Lammi and Ellie Miller were NC’s top hitting stars, each going 3 for 4 as Lammi had an inside-the-park homer and two RBIs while Miller had a triple and three RBIs.

Teammate Josie Thomson was 2 for 2 with a triple, double and RBI while Natalie Prophet had a double and RBI.

After scoring six runs over the first two innings, the home team broke things open with a nine-run third and added three more in the fourth. Baraga put up single runs in the first and third.

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