By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Correspondent
The Oxford Ladycat Softball team is turning things around. Off to a 0-3 start, Oxford faced off with the Holly Bronchos in league action last Monday. Standing firm behind pitcher Amber Cervantez, the Lady Cats? strong defensive effort proved victorious in the doubleheader defeating the Bronchos 2-1 in the first game, and 6-3 in the nightcap.
In the first game, Oxford held the Bronchos scoreless for 6 innings before allowing a Holly run at the top of the 7th inning. Shortstop AnnMarie Skylis went 2 for 3 in the first game, and 2 for 4 in the second game. Senior catcher Jessica Anhel also went 2 for 4 in the second. Oxford improved their record to 2-3 overall, and are off to a great start in the FML with a 2-0 record.
Oxford traveled to Auburn Hills last Wednesday for their non-league match against the Avondale Yellowjackets. Senior hurler Amber Cervantez pitched both games for the Ladycats in their impressive defeat of 15-2 in the first game, and 5-3 in the second game. Freshman Kelsey Oliver put on an impressive hitting display going 3 for 3 and driving in 5 runs. Mary Bono also contributed three hits for Oxford. In the second game, both Kelsey Oliver and Tiffany West contributed 2 hits apiece. Oxford pitcher Amber Cervantez had no walks and retired a total of nine batters on the night. Oxford is 4-3 overall.
The next night, Oxford dropped two games to Grand Blanc, in their second road trip of the week. The first game was a hard fought battle with both teams tied at 3 runs a piece at the end of regulation innings. Going into extra innings, both teams held one another scoreless in both the eighth and the ninth before Oxford scored a run in the 10th going up 4-3. Home team Grand Blanc had their last chance in the bottom of the tenth to take the game.
Oxford surrendered their lead with a Grand Blanc player hitting a two run homer, allowing GB to score three runs in the tenth for the win. Final score was 6-4. Oxford senior Amanda Crump was 3 for 5 with one run scored. In the second game, Oxford couldn’t contain Grand Blanc and lost the game 2-15. Sophomore AnnMarie Skylis was the leading hitter going two for three and scoring two runs. Freshman Kelsey Oliver also had a hit and an RBI. The losses dropped Oxford to 4-5 overall with two non-league games coming up with Flint Kearsley on April 21st.
**Correction: Last week I reported that Junior Amanda Christen went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s versus Richmond when in fact it was MIRANDA Christen. I apologize for the error.