Spring into Valley Baseball, Softball Seasons with a Home Game

Spring is here, so that means the softball and baseball seasons are underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! Conference play will continue through early May with a combination of home and away games. Be sure to check out athletics.kvcc.edu for the schedule.

Scroll to the end for a list of home games at the college's Texas Township Campus. Remember, home games are always free!

The Lady Cougars welcome a roster full of fresh talent, with a strong group of new freshmen players alongside a few returning sophomores who bring experience and leadership. Though the team may be a young squad, Head Coach Lisa Karau said it is a tight-knit family that is ready to compete at a high level.

She said the team's chemistry and commitment to each other is key this season. Offensively, they have a lineup filled with powerful and consistent hitters who can put pressure on opposing defenses. Defensively, it is a solid unit with strong fundamentals, quick reactions and a high softball IQ.

"This being my second season with the Lady Cougars, I couldn't be more excited to see the hard work and dedication these athletes have put in during the offseason," Karau said.

Baseball team

As for the baseball team, it's coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history. Last year's team won 34 games, 15 straight, and made it to the Conferences final weekend. The team is looking to build off that success and keep it going.

The Cougars bring back a solid pitching staff led by sophomores JJ Manion (right-handed pitcher), Will Lowery (right-handed pitcher), Alec Krogel (right-handed pitcher) and Tyler Harris (right-handed pitcher). They also added a few transfer pitchers that will help round out the pitching staff. Jack Crittendon (right-handed pitcher), Curtis Ellis (right-handed pitcher) and Garrett Lyyski (left-handed pitcher) all come with a great amount of experience.

The offense will be led by returners Aiden Warn (first base), Max McPeek (third base) and Drew Atkinson (left fielder), along with a solid group of freshmen.

"We have built a strong culture of winning over the past couple of years and I believe this team will continue the culture this season," said Head Coach Steve Bennecke. "This team has a great mix of guys who have the ability to be a special group. The coaching staff is excited to lead this young group of men this spring."

Below are the remaining home games:

SOFTBALL
3 p.m. | Fri. | APRIL 11 vs. Ancilla College (double header)
1 p.m. | Sat. | APRIL 12 vs. Lansing CC (double header)
1 p.m. | Sat .| APRIL 19 vs. Lake Michigan College (double header)
1 p.m. | Sat. | APRIL 26 vs. Glen Oaks CC (double header)