May 9, 2025, MARYSVILLE, MI - The Grand Rapids Community College softball team suffered a tough 4-1 loss to Lansing Community College on Friday in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament winners bracket final, setting up a must-win matchup against Alpena Community College on Saturday morning.

The loss marked the first of the season for GRCC freshman ace Kalani Stowe, who entered the game with a perfect 17-0 record. Stowe struggled early, allowing three runs before being pulled in the third inning. She also tallied a season-low three strikeouts in the outing.

Despite the early deficit, the Raiders stayed within striking distance thanks to a strong relief performance from Lilly Klop. The right-hander pitched the final four innings, limiting Lansing to one run while striking out three.

Offensively, GRCC was stifled by LCC's Kyra Shadduck, who dominated the game with 11 strikeouts and didn't allow an earned run. The Raiders managed just three hits on the day — two from freshman first baseman Violet McWhinnie and one from Grace Chisek.

GRCC's lone run came in the top of the sixth inning. Chisek singled to right and advanced to second on a fielding error. Jos VanderHart then put the ball in play to the shortstop, whose throwing error allowed Chisek to score and cut the deficit to 3-1 at the time.

The loss forces GRCC into a win-or-go-home scenario against Alpena Community College on Saturday at 10 a.m. A win would put the Raiders back into the championship round, where they'd face Lansing again with the Region XII title on the line.

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.