Mar. 22, 2026, SANDUSKY, OH – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball and softball teams made an emphatic statement to open conference play over the weekend, as both squads posted 4-1 records in a round robin hosted in Sandusky, Michigan.

Softball Dominates After Opening Setback

The Raiders (15-6 overall) showed resilience and firepower throughout the five-game stretch. After a tough 3-2 walk-off loss to Muskegon Community College in the opener—surrendering a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh—GRCC responded in dominant fashion.

The Raiders rolled off four consecutive run-rule victories:

• 16-2 win vs. Delta College (16 hits)
• 11-0 win vs. Alpena CC (8 hits, allowed just 2)
• 13-0 win vs. Bay College (16 hits, allowed just 1)
• 9-1 win vs. Mid Michigan College (11 hits, allowed just 1)

Over the five-game span, GRCC's offense was electric, posting a .429 batting average, .659 slugging percentage, and .507 on-base percentage. Meanwhile, Raider pitching and defense held opponents to just a .175/.216/.208 slash line.

In the circle, GRCC's depth was on full display. The pitching staff combined for a 1.33 ERA with 36 strikeouts and only three walks. Four different pitchers earned victories, led by standout performances from Lillian Klop and Tia Schone, who each tossed shutouts, allowing just three hits while combining for 17 strikeouts.

Offensively, six Raiders hit over .400 during the weekend, highlighted by sophomore Natalee Beck and freshman Kenady O'Leary, who each hit an astounding .800 with a combined 16 hits. O'Leary also led the team with nine runs scored and six stolen bases.

Ava VanderKolk and Violet McWhinnie each added their first home runs of the season, further fueling the Raiders' explosive lineup.

Baseball Battles to 4-1 Start

The GRCC baseball team (5-10 overall) also impressed, grinding out a 4-1 record highlighted by timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and clutch pitching.

The weekend began with a thrilling comeback win over Muskegon, as the Raiders erased a 6-1 deficit to secure an 8-7 victory. GRCC followed with a 9-3 win over Delta College, breaking a 3-3 tie by scoring the game's final six runs.

Their lone loss came in a narrow 5-4 heartbreaker to Alpena, despite out-hitting their opponent 11-6. Trailing 5-2 in the seventh, the Raiders rallied for two runs with two outs, but the potential tying run was thrown out at home to end the game.

GRCC bounced back in dominant fashion, routing Bay College 18-1 in five innings behind 12 hits while allowing just three. The Raiders closed the weekend with a dramatic 5-4 win over Mid Michigan, turning a bases-loaded double play to seal the victory.

As a team, GRCC posted a .333/.511/.475 slash line and showcased aggressive baserunning with 21 stolen bases—tripling their opponents' total of seven.

Four players hit .400 or better, led by sophomore Cannon Paul, who batted .538 with a triple, home run, and five stolen bases. Michael Hurlbutt and Jack Lockwood also contributed home runs during the weekend.

On the mound, 10 pitchers combined for a strong 3.55 ERA with 31 strikeouts, limiting opponents to a .238 batting average. Conner Marciniak, Samuel Vanneste, Kyle O'Hearn, and Kyler Larson each earned wins during the stretch.

Up Next

Both Raider teams will continue conference play at home on March 27, hosting Delta College in doubleheader action.

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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.