Watervliet splits soccer action

 The Watervliet girls’ varsity soccer team split their record last week, suffering a 9-0 loss to Kalamazoo Christian on Monday, April 17 but shutting out Berrien Springs 1-0 on Friday, April 21.

Tuesday’s contest found Kalamazoo leading 9-0 after the first half when the game was called. Casie Gohr and Vickie Smith “each played hard, taking a turn as the goalie. The Panther defense struggled with defensive placement,” Watervliet coach Dave Armstrong commented.

Watervliet earned their first victory of the year on Friday against the Shamrocks. Gohr, in as keeper, was credited with 18 saves. She also scored the lone Panther goal, which occurred in the second half of play.

Watervliet currently holds a 1-1-1 record.

MANNING MAKES IT HOME… Luke Manning slid into home during Hartford’s first of two games against Sau-gatuck April 17. Manning’s run was one of three scored by the Indians in a sixth inning rally, but Hartford lost 8-3. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Hartford crushes Saugatuck; beat Bangor in doubleheader action

 Hartford’s softball team continues to set a torrid pace over their competitors. On Monday, April 17, the squad scored 35 runs in two games and left Saugatuck shaking their heads.

Hartford’s offense was on fire in game one. The team scored runs in each of the four innings they played. The Indians scored two, five, seven, and one runs, respectively.

Hartford was stingy on defense. Saugatuck scored one run in the first inning and one in the fourth. Amara Wesaw pitched for Hartford; she struck out five batters while notching the win.

Hartford’s 15 runs came off 17 hits as the squad crushed every ball that was remotely hittable.

Regan Sinclair had three hits, including a double and triple, and scored four runs.

Angela Saldana hit a single and triple. Wesaw stroked a double in the winning effort.

In the late game, Hartford shut out Saugatuck 17-0.

Madisyn Earls led the Indians with five RBIs on two hits. Nelson also had two hits and scored three runs.  Mikenzie Chambers had one RBI and three hits.

Megan Nelson got the win on the mound for Hartford. She allowed three hits.

Hartford scored three runs in the first inning and 14 in the second inning.

Thursday, April 20 found the Indians facing Bangor on the road. In the first of two games, Hartford blanked Bangor 15-0.

Hartford star Amara Wesaw pitched the shutout. She allowed four hits in the contest.

Hartford opened the contest by scoring 12 runs in the first inning. The Indians added three in the second inning.

Megan Nelson led the team with a single and double. The squad stole 11 bases.

In the late game, Hartford continued to beat up on the Bangor squad. This time the Indians won 10-0.

Taking the mound in the evening contest was Nelson. She allowed three hits and struck out nine batters.

Earls and Wesaw had multiple hits in the Indian victory.

Watervliet fans Fennville

 Watervliet’s baseball squad garnered two victories against winless Southwestern Athletic Conference foe Fennville Monday, April 17. Game one went to Watervliet with a score of 7-3, while game two saw the Panthers shut out the Blackhawks 7-0.

Jakob Aldrich took the mound for Watervliet in the first contest. He nabbed the win with an assist from Bryant Kieft who came on in relief.

Both teams were knotted up at 1-1 after the second inning. Watervliet scored one run in the fourth and three in the fifth to take a 5-1 lead.

Fennville fought back in the sixth inning. They added one run, but Watervliet dropped an additional two runs on the board to lead 7-2. Fennville scored the final run of the game in the top of the seventh inning, but the rally fell short.

Watervliet scored seven runs on four hits. The squad had three errors.

Ryan Chisek led Watervliet at the plate with a triple. Zack Pickens hit a double.

In game two, Chisek continued his excellent performance. He took the mound and struck out five batters on his way to the win. Tommy Swanson also threw for Watervliet.

Tyler Brant hit two singles in the 7-0 Panther victory. Watervliet scored four runs in the first inning and three in the second inning.

Comet baseball goes to work

 Coloma baseball spent the week putting together a four-game win streak. On Monday, April 17, the squad faced Gobles in doubleheader competition and won 11-2 and 9-1.

In the first contest Coloma scored early in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead.

Coloma got another run across the plate in the third inning, but Gobles scored two runs in their half, tying the game at 2-2.

Coloma took the lead in the fifth inning with one run and tacked on another eight in the seventh inning.

Calvin Starnes got the win from the mound for the Comets. He pitched 6 and two-thirds innings during which he allowed two runs on four hits. Starnes struck out 12 and took his record to 3-0.

Hunter Crist pitched one-third inning in relief.

Starnes also led the offense with three singles and two RBIs. Danny Najacht belted a double and three singles. Mathew Kelley put up two singles and scored three runs. Grant Kroschel hit two singles.

In the late game, Coloma led 2-1 after the first inning. They held Gobles scoreless the rest of the contest as the Comets continued to put runs on the board.

Coloma scored three runs in the third, one in the fourth, and three in the fifth to win 9-1.

Kelley notched the win for Coloma from the rubber. He pitched five innings and struck out 10 batters. Kelley also had two singles and three RBIs at the plate. Anthony Abbott hit two singles.

On Wednesday, April 19 the team faced Allegan at home and recorded another two wins, a 3-0 shutout and 11-5.

As they have often this season, Coloma led 1-0 after the first inning. The Comets scored one run in the third and one in the fifth while they held Allegan scoreless.

Coloma’s three runs came off six hits. Anthony Abbott scored two runs and hit two singles. Nathan Wilder and Dylan LeClear both hit two singles.

LeClear got the win for Coloma. He pitched a complete game and allowed only two hits while striking out seven and walking five.

In the second game, Coloma led 1-2 after the second inning, and the squad kept getting better at bat. A three-run third inning and five-run fourth inning gave the Comets a 9-3 lead. Both teams scored two runs in the fifth inning, giving Coloma the 11-5 victory.

Ethan Price, Crist, and Abbott combined on the mound for Coloma. Price pitched three and two-thirds innings. He allowed three runs on three hits. He struck out three and walked three and got the win.

Crist pitched one and a third innings, allowing two runs on one hit. Crist struck out two and walked two. Abbott pitched one inning. He allowed one run.

Robbie Schroeder hit a single and double with two RBIs for Coloma. Starnes cracked two singles and a double with two RBIs. Kroschel hit a double.

With a four-game win streak during the week in hand, Coloma participated in a round robin tournament in Bridgman Saturday, April 22.

In the early game, Coloma was shut out 1-0 by Bridgman.

The lone run of the game for the Bees came in the third inning.

Coloma had three hits in the contest.

Crist pitched the complete game for Coloma. He put up a strong effort as he allowed only two hits and struck out four batters.

In the afternoon game, Coloma faced Comstock and lost 5-3. This time Comstock jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning. The team scored another run in the second to lead Coloma 3-0 after two.

Comstock added two runs in the fourth inning before Coloma scored two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth during a rally attempt.

Kelley took the mound for the Comets and the loss. He pitched four innings. He allowed five runs on three hits. He struck out five batters and walked four.

Calvin Starnes pitched two innings for the Comets. He struck out three batters.

Kelley stroked a triple and had an RBI. LeClear hit three singles and Price had two singles in the Comet effort.

Hartford soccer clips Comstock, loses to Lawton

 Hartford’s girls’ varsity soccer team split two games last week. On Monday, April 17 the squad ran away with a 5-1 victory over Comstock at home.

Abigail Lopez scored two goals and had one assist. Marissa Beraza tallied one goal and one assist.

Olivia Ziemer was credited with one goal and one assist. Brianna Morseau scored one goal. Estefania Cano and Madison Garland each had one assist.

Sarah Barajas was in as keeper for the Indians. She recorded four saves.

Hartford hosted Lawton Wednesday and lost 3-2 in a close match. The score was tied 1-1 at intermission.

Lopez led Hartford with two goals; she scored once in each half of play. Monserrat Requenes was credited with one assist.

Barajas was in goal again for the Indians and had 10 saves in a solid performance.

Saugatuck sinks Watervliet

 Watervliet suffered two losses on the road in Saugatuck Thursday, April 20.

The Panthers dropped the first of two games 2-0. Garrett Matthews turned in a great performance as he pitched the entire game for Watervliet. He allowed two runs on five hits over six innings.

STRAIGHT UP AND OVER… Coloma’s Emily Greenman gets great extension April 19 as she competes in the pole vault at a meet hosted by Watervliet.

Offensively for Watervliet Jakob Aldrich hit a double and Ryan Lefor stroked a single. These were the only hits Watervliet had during the first game.

The Panthers lost game two 9-2. Saugatuck led 3-0 after the first inning and 6-0 after the second inning.

Watervliet was able to get on the board in the third inning with one run.

Watervliet’s two runs came off five hits. Saugatuck scored nine runs on 10 hits.

Ryan Chisek, Bryant Kieft, and Tommy Swanson shared pitching duties for Watervliet. The loss went to Chisek.

Aldrich had a double in the late game.

Watervliet holds a 3-3 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division and is 4-3 overall.

Hartford track performs well at Fennville meet

 The Hartford boys’ track team fared well at the Fennville meet on Wednesday, April 19. According to Hartford coach Brad Manning, “Many competitors in green recorded personal records pushing each other to some of the best times and distances of the year.”

Bob Johnson tossed a personal best distance of 101’ 7” in the discus. David Fernandez threw 89’ 3” in the same event.

Joel Soto ran the 800 meters and finished with a time of 2:25.5.

In the 300 meter hurdles, Randy Ramirez and Blake Snyder finished in second and third place, respectively.

Watervliet girls’ track takes second; tripped up by Coloma

The young ladies who make up the Watervliet varsity track team split their home meet against Coloma and Gobles Wednesday, April 19.

The team topped Gobles 78-54 but lost to Coloma 79-51.

Watervliet’s Jade Miller took first place in the 100 by running 13.73 seconds and in the 200 meters with a time of 28.73 seconds. She also got gold in the long jump. She recorded a 13’ leap, a personal best.

Allie Pazera finished first in the 1600 meters with a time of 6:09. Pazera also took first in the 800 meters; she ran that event in 2:57.

Stephanie Cox of Watervliet finished second overall in the pole vault as she cleared 6’.

Karli McClendon threw 79’ in the discus for first place.

Emma Yazel finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 20.18.

The 4×400 meter relay team of Pazera, Caley Simmons, Raelyn Statler, and Stephanie Cox won first place against Coloma with a time of 4:54.6. Gobles did not field a relay team.

Watervliet track tops Gobles but falls to Coloma

 The Watervliet boys’ varsity track and field team hosted Coloma and Gobles Wednesday, April 19 and finished in second place with 84 points. Coloma won the meet with 53 points.

LA Smith took first place in the high jump with a leap of 5’ 10”.  Smith also finished first in the long jump. He landed with a 20’ 6.5” effort.

Haydon Richards and Allen Chapin finished one-two in the 110 high hurdles with times of 17.5 seconds and 18.5 seconds, respectively. Chapin’s run set a new personal record.

Jaylen Taylor finished second in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.1 seconds.

Jobe Kerr took gold in the 1600 meters. He ran the event in five minutes flat. Brent Simmons took third place with his 5:21 time.

Kerr and Simmons also double teamed to take first and third in the 3200 meters. Kerr had a time of 11:26, while Simmons posted a time of 11:56.

Hartford baseball goes 3-3 for week

 The bats and balls were flying for Hartford this week as the team played six games in five days.

The Indians began the week on Monday, April 17 with two losses to a tough Saugatuck team. Saugatuck hampered Hartford for an 8-3 win.

Saugatuck got on the board early by scoring one run in the first inning and two in the second inning. Saugatuck added three runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 7-0 lead.

QUICK DRAW WESAW… Amara Wesaw gets ready to rifle the ball to first base during Hartford’s first inning of play against Saugatuck in the late contest of the teams’ double-header. Wesaw’s quick reflexes resulted in her second put out of the inning, Hartford shutout Saugatuck 17-0. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Hartford was held scoreless until the sixth inning when the Indians put up three runs on the board.  The rally fell short and Hartford lost 8-3.

Luke Manning led Hartford offensively with two hits and one RBI.

Hartford’s three runs came off six hits. The Indians committed four errors in the contest.

In the evening contest of the doubleheader, Hartford was trumped by Saugatuck 4-1.

Hartford led 1-0 after scoring in the third inning. But, a four-run fifth inning by Saugatuck shut down Hartford’s opportunity for the win.

Hunter Ackerman took the mound and the loss for Hartford. Four defensive errors in the fifth inning led to the Indians’ downfall.

Garrod Johnson notched both of Hartford’s hits.

On Thursday, the Indians traveled to Bangor and tallied two wins.  The early game was a pitching duel in which Hartford’s Jake Griffith emerged the victor. Griffith pitched a complete game for the Indians. He allowed one run on five hits and struck out five.

The game was 0-0 through five innings before both teams’ bats went to work. Bangor scored one run, but Hartford banged home two.

Adam Wheeler led Hartford at the plate. He stroked a double with outs in the sixth inning and drove in two runs.

The late game found Hartford with a decisive 9-4 win over Bangor. The Indians scored one run in the first inning, three in the second, four in the fourth, and one in the fifth.

Griffith led Hartford with four hits. Ackerman stroked three hits, while Luke Manning tallied two hits. Hartford’s nine runs came on 14 hits.

Johnson pitched six innings for Hartford.

The Indians wrapped up their busy week of ball with two games at home against Cassopolis. Cass won the first contest 4-2, but Hartford rallied for a 12-9 win in the second game.

Cassopolis opened the scoring in the first game with two runs in the first inning. They added two runs in the fifth and led 4-0.

Hartford finally got on the board in the sixth inning with two runs. Hartford’s two runs came off hits by Jared Henslee, Manning, and Johnson.

Ackerman pitched for Hartford. He struck out 10 batters and allowed four runs on six hits.

In the late game, Hartford’s bats were cracking as the team had 12 runs on nine hits. It was a team effort as Griffith, Manning, Wheeler, and Mike Boyd each had two hits for the Indians.

Hartford trailed 2-1 after the first inning but a three-run second inning put them on top 4-2.  They used the rest of the game to build on their lead and did not look back.

LA Smith has stellar showing at Edwardsburg Invitational; closes in on school record in long jump

 LA Smith had a few reasons to jump for joy Friday, April 21, as the Watervliet track team participated in the Edwardsburg Invitational.

While the team finished fifth overall, Smith walked away from the event with two gold medals and one bronze medal.

Smith leapt to gold in the long jump. His leap of 21’ 3.75” was tops in the event and is less than five inches from the school record.

Smith also took gold in the 200 meters with a time of 23.41 seconds. Smith ended his day with a bronze medal in the 400 meters; his time was 54.62 seconds.

Jobe Kerr also had an outstanding showing at Edwardsburg. He collected one gold and one bronze medal.

Kerr continues to lead the team in the middle distance events. He is a strong runner and continues to top the field.

Kerr notched a season best time of 2:04.64 in the 800 meters after blowing everyone else away. He earned a bronze medal in the 1600 meters.  He set a new personal record time of 4:40.82.

Watervliet softball on fire with five wins in six games

 The Lady Panthers continue to fare well on the diamond. The squad continues to be heavy hitters, as they scored 62 runs in six games and held their opponents to 11 runs. Three of the six games found Watervliet shutting out their opponents.

On Monday, April 17, Watervliet blanked Fennville 10-0 and 12-2 in doubleheader play.

SPEEDY MIZWICKI… Wa-tervliet’s Logan Mizwicki hits high gear as she rounds second base and heads for third as the softball trickles into right field during the squad’s game against Fennville Monday, April 17. Mizwicki hit a single and double in game one as Water-vliet shut out Fennville 15-0. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

In the first game, Ariana Rowe pitched the shutout; she allowed one hit, struck out seven, and walked one.

Watervliet’s 15 runs came off 15 hits. Watervliet scored five runs in the first inning, three in the second, and seven in the fourth.

Kara Liles was four for four at the plate. She hit two singles, one double, and one triple. She drove in three runs.

Taylor Shafer hit two singles and a triple with three RBIs. Zoe Smith belted a double and scored two runs.

Rowe hit a single and double and drove in two runs. Mercede Daugherty had two RBIs. She hit a triple. Logan Mizwicki tallied a single and double.

Grace Smith and Sabrina Klimkiewicz hit RBI singles.

In their second effort, Watervliet defeated Fennville 12-2. Watervliet had one run in the first and second innings. In the third inning, the squad scored five runs. They added another five runs in the fifth inning.

Fennville scored their two runs in the third inning.

Watervliet’s 12 runs came off 12 hits including a single and triple by Celena Klimkiewicz. She scored two runs.

Liles hit a double and single and had two RBIs. Daugherty stroked a double and scored one run. Rowe hit a triple and single with one RBI.

Shafer scored one run and hit two singles. Mizwicki and Zoe Smith each scored one run and hit a single.

Liles was on the mound for Watervliet and earned the win. She allowed two runs on three hits, and struck out six batters.

Watervliet traveled to Saugatuck on Thursday, April 20. The Panthers put the Saugatuck offense in a stranglehold that resulted in two more Panther victories.

In the early game, Watervliet won 16-1. Watervliet scored two runs in the first inning, while Saugatuck got on board with one run. Watervliet’s bats continued to crank through the rest of the game, while Saugatuck’s were silenced.

Liles earned another win for Watervliet. She allowed one run on one hit. She struck out six batters and walked one.

Watervliet’s 16 runs were courtesy of 11 hits. Zoe Smith led the Panthers as she went 2-4 and three RBIs.

Watervliet shut out Saugatuck in the second game of the night 10-0.

Rowe earned the win for Watervliet. She pitched six innings, allowing one hit and striking out nine. Celina Klimkiewicz pitched in relief and struck out two of the three batters she faced.

Watervliet was led at the plate by Daugherty. She had two doubles and scored two runs. Mizwicki hit two singles and had one RBI.  Rowe and Shafer hit singles and scored one run each. Sabrina Klimkiewicz hit three singles, while Liles had two singles.

The Panthers hosted tournament action Saturday, April 22. In the first game, Watervliet blanked Buchanan 6-0 on the strength of Rowe’s arm. She pitched a complete game and allowed just four hits. She struck out eight batters.

Watervliet’s offense got started in the fourth inning as the team scored three runs. They added two more in the fifth inning and one in the sixth inning.

Rowe hit three singles with one RBI. Daugherty had two singles and scored one run. Shafer belted in two runs on two singles. Celina Klimkiewicz smacked a triple and scored one run.

In the second game, Paw Paw beat Buchanan 4-0.

Watervliet faced Paw Paw in game three and lost 8-3 after leading 2-0 through two innings.

Paw Paw scored three runs in the third inning to lead 3-2. Watervliet tied the game in the fifth inning by scoring one run.

A five-run sixth inning by Paw Paw gave the Redskins the win.

Liles took the loss for Watervliet. She allowed six runs on eight hits and walked one in her five and one-third innings of work.

Daugherty led Watervliet with two singles. Zoe Smith hit a single and scored one run. Sabrina Klimkiewicz scored one run and hit one single.

McClendon throws to bronze at Edwardsburg Invitational

 The Watervliet girls’ varsity track and field team competed in the Edwardsburg Invitational Friday, April 21. The team finished 12th overall.

Karli McClendon earned a third place bronze medal in the discus event. Her effort resulted in a 91’ 5” toss.

Ladies Happy Hour Golf League at Paw Paw Lake Golf Club

An organizational meeting of the Ladies Happy Hour Golf League was held April 24. We will begin golfing at Paw Paw Lake Golf Club on Monday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m.   We are seeking additional ladies to join our league on Monday evenings, May through August.  If interested, call league president Sandra Johnson (269-468-8112), treasurer Katherine Rodriguez (269-325-7086) or secretary Charlene Durfee (269-468-8111).  All levels of golfers are welcome.

2017 Fun Night committee is Carol Klass and Ursela Bansen.  Banquet chair is Katherine Rodriguez.  New golfer, Lisa Fitzpatrick was welcomed to the league.

Jimmie Johnson reigns supreme in rain delayed Food City 500

 Let him reign! Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, won his second consecutive race of the 2017 season with a victory in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Raceway. Johnson sandwiched the Easter weekend break with a win in Texas two weeks ago before having last Sunday off.

Originally scheduled to run on Sunday, the Monster Energy Cup race was rescheduled to a Monday start due to rain.

Johnson certainly didn’t mind the weather delay. He started the race in 11th position and grabbed the checkered flag after leading 81 laps. With the victory Johnson earned his 82nd career win.

Clint Bowyer raced to his second top five finish of the season. He took second place.

Kevin Harvick led 14 laps on his way to a third place finish. Harvick also has two top five finishes this season.

Matt Kenseth drove his way to fourth place and his second top five finish of the season.

Joey Logano led 72 laps Monday. He finished fifth to collect his fifth top five finish.

Other drivers who led laps but did not finish in the top five included the workhorse of the event, Kyle Larson. Larson, who started the race from the pole position, led 202 laps before he had to settle for a sixth place finish.

Martin Truex Jr. led 116 laps, Denny Hamlin led 10, and Landon Cassill led five laps.

Interestingly, drivers in first through third position at the start of the race (Larson, Chase Elliott, and Truex Jr.) finished sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran – literally – into trouble on turn one and finished in 38th place after completing only 218 laps.

The teams have a short hop to Richmond International Speedway. They will start their engines on Sunday in the Toyota Owners 400.  Carl Edwards claimed victory in last spring’s race, but he retired in January. It will be anyone’s race to win!