ACC softball team is ready for long homestand

ALPENA -- After more than a month of playing road games, the Alpena Community College softball team is looking forward to the comforts of home.

Beginning with Friday's scheduled doubleheader against Bay College, the Lumberjacks are set to begin a 10-game homestand that continues into next weekend.

ACC hosts Bay College for a doubleheader at 2 and 4 p.m. Friday, a Saturday doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m. and a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

ACC's home games will be played in Ossineke at the field on U.S.-23 South between DeRocher Masonry and Sanborn School.

Depending on the weather later this week, the games may be shuffled around to ensure all five games are played.

The Lumberjacks' season began last month in South Carolina and have gone 8-9 in 17 games. ACC has proven to be a tough opponent however, losing four one-run games and is eager to show what it can do in front of a hometown crowd.

"It took a while to get going, but they're playing well," ACC coach Christin Sobeck said. "Reps in spring training are important and our spring break trip is so important. We came out of the gate and had a phenomenal trip to Myrtle Beach."

This season's ACC team is a talented mix of veterans and energetic newcomers who give the Lumberjacks plenty of talent in the field and at the plate.

ACC's returning players include the battery of Jade Schultz and Paige Wooden -- both returning for their third season -- as well as sophomores Maddy Wilkinson, Breya Domke, Avery Zipp and Jerzie Belleville.

The Lumberjacks' freshmen include Kyra Lucas, Liz Romel, Makayla Kamyszek, Alaina Saari, Olivia Leland, Shae Lampinen, Rhea Amrich and Abby Platt.

One thing that stands out about this year's ACC roster is its versatility. In the circle, Schultz, Kamyszek and Saari have handled the bulk of the pitching duties, but have also contributed where they're needed on days when they're not throwing.

The same is true of ACC's infield/outfield mix where veterans and newcomers alike have stepped up in key positions.

"Almost half the team is back and we've been fortunate to have great team leaders," Sobeck said. "Our freshmen are adding new energy and have taken to their roles well."

ACC is coming off of a five-game stretch against Grand Rapids where it went 2-3 and is doing everything possible to prepare for the weekend -- whatever the weather may bring.

"We were on fire in Muskegon (last month) and then we had games canceled, so we finally got some time outside last week before we played Grand Rapids," Sobeck said. "We're hoping the weather cooperates this week, but they're doing as many reps as they can with what they have."

Entering this weekend's games, ACC hopes to make up some ground in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Division standings.

ACC is currently in fourth place in a division that includes Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Bay College, Mid Michigan and Delta with an 8-7 record. ACC hosts Mid Michigan next weekend and is scheduled to play Delta in makeup games next month.