Hancock pitcher Sadie Biekkola (8) is congratulated by teammates Romey Koskela (5) and Lucy Biekkola (3) after an out in a game against Calumet Wednesday in Calumet. (Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette)

CALUMET — With softball district playoffs fast approaching Calumet Copper Kings coach Joel Rastello wanted to make sure that his girls were ready with one last competitive game.

Who could be a better competitor than the Hancock Bulldogs? The two teams have used a single-game matchup as their last game for multiple seasons as a final tuneup before the playoffs begin.

While the match up on Wednesday was competitive, the Bulldogs proved to be the better team, earning a 3-1 victory.

According to Hancock coach Craig Biekkola, pitching and defense won this one.

“That combination is what is going to win us games in the playoffs,” he noted.

“While our hitting wasn’t the strongest, we were able to produce some runs with small ball, and we had no errors — a season first.”

The Bulldogs (25-11) got on the scoreboard in the first frame. Lead-off hitter Sofie Freeman opened the game with a single off Calumet’s pitcher Lena Myhren. Three batters later, she crossed home courtesy of a base hit by Hancock’s pitcher Sadie Biekkola to left field.

Sadie Biekkola threw a complete-game win – allowing just one run, one walk and striking out seven along the way.

The game stayed at 1-0 in favor of the Bulldogs for four more innings. In the sixth, the Hancock girls added another run in similar fashion. Catcher Brooke Koskela started the frame off with a single off a bunt. She came home on a hard-hit ball to left field by third baseman Lucy Biekkola that ended up being a double.

The Bulldogs added a third run in the top of the seventh. Freeman, who had an infield single, crossed home on a Kaelyn Rouleau bunt.

The Copper Kings (13-11) did muster a run in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run at first.

Isabella Coppo singled to right field. Chloe Coppo singled to center field. Two batters later, Clare Ruonavaara singled to right field. Jaysa Wilks then grounded into a fielder’s choice, but Isabella Coppo scored on the play. Chloe Coppo was 60 feet away from making it a one-run game, but Millie Loukus lined out.

“We hit the ball well,” said Rastello. “It was just right at them. I am glad we played. We are ready for districts.”

Up next

The Bulldogs will open District 98 play at home on Friday as they will play the winner of the semifinal matchup between L’Anse and Lake Linden-Hubbell game in a game scheduled for 5 p.m.

On Saturday, the Copper Kings travel to Westwood for their Distinct 65 tournament. They will face Jeffers in a semifinal game.