Paul Peterson/For the Gazette Tom LeGault of Houghton takes a swing at a pitch during Monday’s 50 and Over Softball League playoffs in Tapiola.

TAPIOLA — Houghton and Chassell captured wins in the opening night of the Over 50 Softball League playoffs Monday evening.

Houghton scored a 14-5 victory over Tapiola behind the pitching of Steve Dunstan.

Jim Perron, Dave Kamerand and Tom Merz collected three hits each for the winners.

Dave Usitalo, Dave Hoffman and Rick Niemi added two raps for the league champs.

Len Juntunen was the losing hurler, allowing 20 hits.

John Kinnunen had three hits for Tapiola, wirh Steve Balla, Scott Hall and Juntunen all getting two raps.

In the second game, Chassell was a 6-2 victor over South Range, using the pitching of Steve Giddings to advance.

Jerry Fish picked up three hits for Chassell, while Nick Lindemann, Nick Koszkowki and Giddings were good for two safeties apiece.

Dave Fehringer and Dick Franti each had two hits for Range. Joe Rossi was the losing pitcher.

Houghton and Chassell meet at 6:15 p.m. in the next round on Thursday. Range and Tapiola play at 7:15 p.m. in a loser’s bracket game.