The Lady Dux used strong pitching, clean defense, and smart base running to capitalize on their opportunities and beat Unity Christian 2-0 in conference play tonight.

The game was scoreless through four and a half innings until the Dux came up big in the bottom of the inning. Morgan Rush led off with a double to center field. Jordyn Smeyers laid down a nice bunt and reached on a Unity error. Smart base running by Smeyers moved herself into scoring position with no outs. Cortlyn Merryman hit an infield single to a tough part of the field. This hit allowed Rush to score as Unity tried to throw Merryman out at first. Then on the throw to the plate to try to catch Rush, Merryman started to advance to second. Unity tried to throw her out which allowed Smeyers to score to put the Dux up 2-0.

Sophie Zelenock led the Dux going 2 for 3 on the night. Rush, Merryman, Maddie Sliva, Kenzie Siersma, and Lily Brower each added hits for the Dux. 

Kenzie Siersma picked up the win on the mound throwing seven innings allowing no runs on six hits, two walks and striking out three. She had great command and controlled the game from the mound the entire night.  

The Lady Dux also performed well behind her on defense. They shut down a threat in the top of the third when Unity started with a single, but the Dux ended it quickly with Siersma turning line-out double play to Smeyers. Unity tried again in the top of the sixth with runners on second and third with one out. Unity batter hit a hard ground ball to shortstop and tried to score from third, but Lily Brower made a nice catch and throw to Sophie Zelenock, who made the tag at home to stop the attempt. Siersma finished the inning by striking out the next batter.

Dux improved to 4-0 in conference and 7-2 overall. They are next in action tomorrow at home starting at 4pm against Thornapple Kellogg.