LAKE LINDEN — With five runs combined in the fifth and sixth innings of the opener Wednesday, the Houghton Gremlins softball team earned a 7-2 win over the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes at the Boneyard. In the nightcap, they scored nine of their 10 runs during a stretch from the third inning through the sixth, with six of those runs coming in the fifth and sixth combined, to earn a 10-9 win and the sweep.

Stella Soumis was a big reason why the Gremlins were able to come out on top in the opener, as she pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out 15, walking two and surrendering six hits. She also helped herself out at the plate, where she went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, along with a walk.

Shortstop Clea Ollanketo was also strong at the plate in the leadoff spot, racking up three hits, an RBI and two runs scored. Catcher Kenzie Collard went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Center fielder Brynn Arko went 2-for-4 and was the only Gremlins player with two RBI.

For the Lakes, Payton Goldsworthy did her best to match Soumis in the pitcher’s circle, where she went seven innings, struck out 11, walked four and gave up 11 hits.

She was also good at the plate, where she went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. She was the only Lakes hitter with more than one hit in the game.

In the second game, Soumis struggled out of the gates to start the game, and the Lakes scored four runs on her before the Gremlins had recorded a second out. Romi Mattson stepped in and was strong over the next 6 2/3 innings, striking out nine and giving up 10 hits while holding the Lakes to just five more runs in the game.

Collard was outstanding at the plate for Houghton. She went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Ollanketo was also strong, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. One of her hits was a double.

No other Gremlins hitter had more than one hit, but Arko and third baseman Fayah Zapolnik both had a double.

Olivia Shank got the start for Lake Linden in the game, and she struck out eight over five innings of work. She also walked eight and gave up 10 hits. Ashlyn Steeves stepped in to relieve her and she struck out two and gave up just one hit over the final two innings.

Shank was also good at the plate, where she went 3-for-4 with three runs scored. She also drew a walk.

Goldsworthy went 3-for-4 at the plate in the game to drive the Lakes’ offense. She had three RBI and scored once thanks to a home run.

Left fielder Marissa Sullivan also knocked out a home run during the game as she went 2-for-4 with six RBI.

Center fielder Jovie Daniels also went 3-for-3 in the contest.

UP NEXT

The Gremlins return to action Thursday as they travel to face Westwood. Lake Linden hosts Hancock on Wednesday at 4 p.m.