Despite a 5-run deficit in the first inning, Greenville Varsity Jackets almost came all the way back, eventually falling 7-5 to Belding Varsity Black Knights on Friday at Belding High School. Greenville Varsity Jackets closed the gap by scoring on an error, a home run, a triple, and a ground out.

Belding Varsity Black Knights opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to three singles. Belding Varsity Black Knights first got on the board when Jadeyn Kenyon singled, scoring two runs.

Greenville Varsity Jackets scored five runs on four hits in the top of the fourth inning. An error scored one run, Gianna Lahr homered to center field, scoring two runs, Charlee Henrickson tripled, scoring one run, and Aubrie Uebele grounded out, scoring one run.

In the bottom of the fourth, Belding Varsity Black Knights broke up the tie when Amara German drew a walk, scoring one run. Then a single by Nevaeh Taylor followed to extend the lead to 7-5.

Emma Ingles earned the win for Belding Varsity Black Knights. The hurler surrendered six hits and five runs (two earned) over seven innings, striking out nine and walking one. Maddy Free took the loss for Greenville Varsity Jackets. The hurler went six innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits, striking out two and walking six.

Lahr provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Greenville Varsity Jackets with two runs batted in. The third baseman went 1-for-3 on the day. Alexa Hyler led Greenville Varsity Jackets with two hits in three at bats.

Kenyon provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Belding Varsity Black Knights with two runs batted in. The infielder went 2-for-4 on the day. German and Kenyon were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Belding Varsity Black Knights. Mackenzie Wilson led Belding Varsity Black Knights with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating six walks for the game.