Delta College Softball Splits Doubleheader with Muskegon, Wins 12–4 in Game 2

April 9, 2025 — University Center, MI
Delta College and Muskegon Community College faced off in a thrilling doubleheader on Wednesday, with Muskegon taking the first game 2–1 before Delta bounced back with a commanding 12–4 victory in Game 2.

Game 1: Muskegon 2, Delta 1
The opening game of the day was a pitchers' duel, with Muskegon's Taylor Harrison leading the way in the circle. Harrison threw a complete game, allowing just four hits and one run while striking out six. Despite a strong performance from Delta's Geena Gauthier, who went the distance with four strikeouts, the Pioneers couldn't overcome an early deficit.

Muskegon got on the board in the first inning when Olive Staal singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Sydnee Kirk. Delta answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the first, as Megan Mankey singled and came around to score after a couple of wild pitches.

However, the game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when Muskegon capitalized on a solo home run from Staal, putting them up 2–1. The Pioneers had a chance to tie in the final frame, but Harrison closed out the game with ease, giving Muskegon the narrow win.

Game 2: Delta 12, Muskegon 4
Delta came out with a vengeance in the second game, overwhelming Muskegon with an 11-hit barrage that led to a 12–4 victory. After trailing early, the Pioneers exploded for a seven-run outburst in the third inning to take a commanding lead.

Muskegon initially took a 3–2 lead in the first, but Delta quickly responded in the second with two runs to regain control. From there, the offense kept clicking as Izabel Lathrom and Kortney Kotenko each had multiple RBIs, and Megan Mankey went 3-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. Delta capitalized on Muskegon's defensive miscues, while Muskegon struggled to contain the Pioneers' lineup.

Cadence Swartz earned the win for Delta, tossing five innings of four-hit ball while striking out one and allowing only one earned run. Swartz received strong support from her offense, including a stellar performance from Kotenko, who drove in three runs.

Muskegon's pitching staff had no answer for Delta's attack. Delaney Vollmer, who started for Muskegon, was pulled after giving up eight runs in just two innings. Sydnee Kirk came in in relief but was unable to halt Delta's momentum, allowing four more runs in her 2.1 innings of work.

The Pioneers sealed the victory with a five-run surge in the bottom of the fifth, pushing their lead to 12–4. With the win, Delta gained momentum heading into their next matchup.

Delta College will look to continue their offensive success in their upcoming games after a strong performance in the nightcap.