GLADSTONE — Sometimes it doesn’t matter who you play as much as when you play them.

On the opening day of the state softball tournament (Friday), the Kingsford Junior Girls’ Little League All-Stars (age 13-14) had beaten Charlevoix 15-3.

It was a different outcome Monday, however, as Charlevoix eliminated Kingsford 10-3 in the semfinals at Gladstone High School.

“Give credit to Charlevoix,” said Kingsford manager Brock Wallis. “They put the bat on the ball and found the gaps. We also had trouble with their bunts in the early innings. We were also hitting the ball, but we were hitting at people. Credit their defense. They made the plays.”

Charlevoix reaped the benefits of a huge third inning, taking advantage of two errors and scoring six times for a 9-2 cushion.

Madelyn Sandison led off Charelvoix’s third with a single to leftfield. Kate Klinger added an infield single and Grace Lentz reached on a bunt single and the bases were loaded with nobody out

Avery Zipp then put Charlevoix ahead to stay with a two-run single to right.

Charlevoix raised the count to 10-2 in the fourth before Kingsford’s Bree Raymond ended the scoring on a pair of throwing errors in its half of the inning.

The downstate team, cashing in on an error and two passed balls, grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first.

Allie LaVarnway opened Kingsford’s scoring on a fielding error in the first and Danika Varda made it 3-2 on another miscue in the second.

“They were a real good team,” said Charlevoix manager Jim Lentz. “We already played a game before we saw them Friday and that was their first game. It was hot out there. We have just nine players and the girls got a little tired in the second game. We also have to give their girls credit. They did the job. Today’s outcome surprised me a little. Getting on them early really helped. We made the routine plays.”

Klinger, whose change-up presented problems for Kingsford’s hitters, fired a two-hitter, struck out nine and walked three.

Varda had Kingsford’s lone extra-base hit on a triple into the rightfield corner in the first. Talia Wallis added a single to right in the fifth.

“I’m just proud of the girls,” said manager Wallis. “They’re bummed that they lost, but they’re also happy for Charlevoix. This is a fun group of girls. We were happy to be in the state semifinals. I want to give credit to (District 10 administrator) Don Howes and his crew. They put on a nice tournament.”

Sidney Tomczak, who also went the distance, absorbed the loss despite 11 strikeouts. She walked one and allowed 12 hits.

Sandison collected three hits and Lily Woodgate and Lentz added two apiece for Charlevoix, which fell to St. Clair 10-3 in the title game.

Esky routs Norway

GLADSTONE– Escanaba pitcher Maddy Mott was the difference throwing a no-hitter and striking out 10 Norway batters in a 12-0 four-inning victory Monday night to open the Minor Little League softball (9-10) district tournament at Cannon Field.

Mott struck out the side in both the first and fourth innings overpowering Norway and limiting the Knights to three walks in the lopsided contest.

“Maddy is our ace and she’s done well for us all year,” said Escanaba manager Steve Braun.

“I expect that type of game from her every time.”

Esky broke open the game scoring seven runs in the second inning highlighted by a double from Clara Braun, and a RBI single from Addison Noblet and a run-scoring triple by Mott.

Escanaba took advantage of its speed and stole bases throughout the game against Norway scoring five runs in the fourth inning on walks, errors and steals to end the game.

“This was a great way to kick off our all-star run,” said Braun.

“All the girls are hitting and we have some new girls this year and they got some playing time under their belts and they all did well.”

Norway manager Jeff Gilroy used two pitchers. Starter Jolie Seidel went the first three innings and Emma Dube pitched the fourth stanza. Gilroy was pleased his team got the opportunity to play in tournament competition.

“It was a tough first game, a tough opener but we have come a long way as a team,” said Gilroy.

“Everything is looking forward for us. Three weeks ago getting together as all-star team and coming up here to the tournament atmosphere is good for us. We will be more comfortable in our next game.”

Norway and Kingsford play tonight at 5 p.m. in an elimination game. And Gladstone plays Escanaba at 7 p.m. in the winner’s bracket of the double elimination tournament.

In the tournament’s second game Monday night, Gladstone pitcher Tia Schone threw a no-hitter beating Kingsford 15-3.

Schone walked eight batters and struck out seven in the four-inning game.

“We started out well tonight and played a good first tournament game, “ said Gladstone manager Joe Larson.

“Tia pitched a great game and Madison Sundquist did an outstanding job behind the plate and had some big hits for us.”

Aubrey Sargent had and RBI triple for Gladstone and Schone was 2-2 with three runs scored and numerous stolen bases in the win.

Sundquist contributed a two-run single in the nine-run third inning to put the winners up 15-3 and Schone closed the door in the Kingsford fourth inning for the run-rule triumph.

“This was a good game for all of us and everyone wants our game with Escanaba (tonight),” said manager Larson.