Heading into the first doubleheader of the season, the varsity softball team entered with confidence. Although the team is filled with underclassmen, it is a talented group that can compete with the best teams in West Michigan. Nevertheless, the Rangers took on East Kentwood in their first games of the season. The Falcons are seen as one of the best squads in the area.

The first game did not go as planned, as FHC struggled to hit the ball and ultimately lost 17-2. Key players from that game included sophomore Sophia Badaluco and freshman Lacey Smith. In the second game, FHC found more success hitting the ball but struggled with the EK offense. FHC was defeated 13-5, with key contributions from seniors Kylie Halverson and Faith Addington. 

In the first game, the girls seemed to be out of rhythm from the start. Since it was the first matchup of the season, the team played together but struggled. This led to EK catching momentum. The girls fought through adversity; the leaders did not back down and continued to help and lead by example for the rest of the team. A bright spot of the game was when Lacey Smith got an RBI triple. Sophia Badaluco got on base after a walk and Lacey knocked her in with a huge hit. Faith Addington pitched the game and gave it her all while earning a few strikeouts. The Rangers could not do much hitting, as they faced one of the best pitchers in the area and had four total hits. Heading into the second game, the girls did not hang their heads. The team came in with a chip on its shoulder and it showed, as FHC played with more energy. Senior captain Kylie Halverson showed out in the second game of the doubleheader. She had three runs and gave a spark to the Rangers. Faith also had a run in the game. Lacey pitched the second game and she did not disappoint. She struck out six hitters in seven innings. FHC was down 7-5 heading into the last inning, but after a huge run from EK, the Falcons took a 13-5 lead. Although the Rangers were defeated in both games, the spirit of the team continues to trend upward.

FHC falls to 0-2 on the season with both losses. EK is an out-of-conference opponent, so it does not affect the team’s conference record. The Rangers must keep their heads up as they take on Greenville at home on April 14.