Apr. 17, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball and softball teams delivered a dominant Friday, sweeping Mid Michigan College in a four-game showcase that saw both programs either solidify or seize first place in the conference standings. With wet field conditions forcing venue changes, the Raiders made themselves right at home regardless—playing baseball at Grand Valley State University and softball at Cornerstone University.

With two games remaining in the five-game series, both teams will travel to Mid Michigan College on Sunday to conclude the matchup.

Softball Stays Atop Conference with Sweep

The Raiders improved to 27-7 overall and 13-2 in conference play, maintaining their hold on first place with a 9-0 (5 innings) and 4-2 sweep.

In Game 1, GRCC wasted no time setting the tone. After pitcher Kalani Stowe retired the side in the opening inning, the offense erupted behind a leadoff double from Abbie Critchett. Critchett later scored on an RBI single from Kenady O'Leary to ignite the scoring. The Raiders added four runs in both the second and third innings, highlighted by a two-run double from Ava VanderKolk.

GRCC totaled 11 hits in the win, led by a perfect 3-for-3 performance from Lilly Klop and a 2-for-3, three-RBI effort from O'Leary. Stowe was dominant in the circle, allowing just one hit with no walks and six strikeouts to improve to 8-4 on the season.

Game 2 proved more competitive, but the Raiders held strong for a 4-2 victory behind reigning conference Pitcher of the Week Megan Lillie. The freshman improved to a perfect 11-0, tossing a complete game while allowing just two runs—one earned—on seven hits.

GRCC jumped out early, sending 10 batters to the plate in the first inning and scoring all four of its runs. Despite leaving nine runners on base, including three at third, the Raiders did enough to secure the win. O'Leary and Caitlyn Horvath each collected two hits to pace the offense.

Baseball Takes Over First Place

The Raiders' baseball team made a statement of its own, sweeping Mid Michigan 12-2 and 11-1 in a pair of five-inning run-rule victories. GRCC now sits at 16-12 overall and 12-3 in conference play, overtaking the Lakers—who entered the day in first place and now fall to 19-13 (12-5).

Game 1 saw an explosive start as leadoff hitter Jack Lockwood launched his second home run of the season to right field. Two batters later, Cannon Paul followed with a two-run homer to quickly make it 3-0. The Raiders continued to pile on, scoring in each of the next four innings.

Peter Heintz added a three-run blast in the fourth inning—his first of the day—as part of an 11-hit attack. AJ Speigl led the way with a 3-for-4 performance, while Paul drove in three runs. Starting pitcher Kyle O'Hearn was sharp, going all five innings while allowing six hits and striking out six to improve to 4-1.

In Game 2, Mid Michigan struck first with an unearned run in the opening inning, but it would be the only blemish for GRCC starter Kyler Larson. The sophomore went the distance, allowing just four hits and striking out three to improve to 3-1.

The Raiders' offense remained hot, tallying 10 hits, including additional home runs from Heintz (his sixth of the season) and Paul (his third). GRCC's consistent production at the plate ensured another run-rule victory and capped off a commanding day.

With momentum firmly on their side, both Raider squads will look to complete the series sweep Sunday on the road at Mid Michigan College.

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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.