The Alma Softball team took to the field on Saturday with a chance to capture the MIAA Championship when they played Hope College at Scots Park. The home team took care of business in the first game, defeating the Flying Dutch by a score of 9-1 in five innings, and capturing their second league championship in a row and 11th out of the last 15 years.

The Scots were very business like in the first game knowing what the ramifications were. Alma took a 4-0 advantage in the bottom of the second inning, and after Hope scored a run in the top of the fifth, the Scots scored five more and closed out the 9-1 victory.

Sr. P Tara Leddy (Saginaw, MI/Swan Valley) improved to 16-0 on the year, giving up just three hits and striking out eight batters in the game. Sr. Kelly Koenigsknecht (Fowler, MI/Fowler) went two for four with two runs batted and a run scored to lead the win.

Others that played a part in the victory include Jr. C Becca DeWyse (Bay City, MI/Bay City All Saints), who had two RBI's. In addition, four players had one RBI each - So. Shelby Cook (Newaygo, MI/Newaygo), Jr. Lauren Davis (Marysville, MI/Marysville), So. Kayla Smart (Jenison, MI/Jenison) and Fr. Grace Westerman (Gaylord, MI/St. Mary's).

The second game of the doubleheader was an entertaining affair between two MIAA Tournament teams that could have gone either way. Alma had a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, before Hope hit a two-run homer to tie the game.

Each team had chances to take the lead or win the game, but could not capitalize on their opportunities until the Flying Dutch reached the bottom of the 10th inning.  Hope scored a run in the bottom of the frame to come away with a 4-3 win that had no impact on the league standings, but sets the stage for a fun league tournament.

The MIAA Tournament will begin on Thursday with the #2 seed Hope taking on the #3 seed Adrian at 11:00 a.m. at Scots Park. Alma, as the #1 seed and host, will play the #4 seed Trine University, beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m.