Gibraltar/Washington Island combined disciplined plate work with steady production Friday, sweeping a softball doubleheader from Sturgeon Bay 17-7 and 15-10.
In the opener, the Vikings overcame an early deficit and broke the game open with a patient approach at the plate, drawing 14 walks and scoring in bunches across the first three innings.
Sturgeon Bay struck first when Genevieve Austad doubled home two runs in the opening frame and Kadence Patza added an RBI single. But Gibraltar/Washington Island responded immediately with a six-run bottom half, capitalizing on free passes and a hit-by-pitch to surge ahead.
The Vikings extended the margin in the second inning as Megan Gallant scored on a sacrifice situation and Marin Gransee delivered a two-run single. A five-run third inning, fueled by additional walks, an RBI single from Cleleste Ashley and multiple defensive miscues, pushed the lead out of reach.
Emilie Glocke earned the win, allowing seven runs (four earned) on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. Marin Gransee led the offense with four RBIs, while Gallant, Ashley, Isla Fagundes and Gransee each recorded a hit. Ashlyn Lautenback and Mia Glocke combined for eight walks, and Olivia Pelkey and Lautenback each added multiple stolen bases as Gibraltar/Washington Island finished with six steals.
In the second game, the Vikings again leaned on offensive patience and timely hitting in a 15-10 win. They scored early and often, taking advantage of 13 walks issued by Sturgeon Bay pitching. Gabi Solomon, Ashlyn Lautenback and Mia Glocke each collected two hits, with Solomon, Lautenback and Addison Richmond driving in two runs apiece.
The Vikings opened the game with a multi-run first inning and continued building its lead through the middle frames. Mia Glocke earned the win in the circle, working 6 2/3 innings while allowing 10 hits and 10 runs (two earned) with seven strikeouts.
The Vikings will face Sturgeon Bay again Friday in the next scheduled meeting between the teams.
