HANCOCK — In their first action of the season, Iron Mountain’s softball team split a West PAC Conference doubleheader Friday evening at Hancock. The Mountaineers took the opener 7-6, while falling to the Lady Bulldogs 16-11 in the nightcap.

Mountaineers’ senior Claire Mongrain was the starting pitcher in the opener and went the distance, striking out seven, while walking none.

“Our bats came alive in the time we needed it most,” said Iron Mountain head coach Bruce Tapio.

Junior Annslee Runsat hit a 3 RBI single in the bottom of the sixth for Iron Mountain. However, it was sophomore Zoie Bloomquist’s 3 RBI double in the bottom of the 7th inning that won the game.

In game No. 2 Hancock led 7-0 after one inning. “The girls never gave up in either game,” Tapio said. “Especially in game two, they weren’t hanging their heads after the first inning.”

IM got within two runs, but no closer. Tapio also noted that Iron Mountain played well defensively throughout both games.

Mountaineers sophomore Ashlyn Bal, first time pitching in a high school game, only allowed one walk, while picking up the loss. “She did an excellent job, never lost her composure,” Tapio said.