Rochester Community and Technical College continued its spring trip with a challenging four‑game stretch that tested the Jackets as they get ready for the MCAC Crossover. The four games provided valuable experience against strong opponents. Although the Yellowjackets came away without a win in the final slate, several players delivered encouraging performances that will serve them well heading into the heart of the season.
Game 1: RCTC 2, Schoolcraft 4
RCTC opened the final segment of the trip with a competitive matchup against Schoolcraft College. The Yellowjackets struck first, plating a run in the opening inning and adding another in the fifth. Offensively, the team totaled seven hits, led by standout performances from KK Hemming, who went 2‑for‑3, and extra‑base hits from both Cason Forbrook (double) and Gigi Lundi (triple). Forbrook and Alyssa Knudson drove in RCTC's two runs.
On the bases, RCTC showed aggressiveness, recording steals from Ivette Mendoza, Ella Bergan, and Keiara Daniel. Defensively, however, two errors proved costly, helping Schoolcraft capitalize on a pair of multi‑run innings. In the circle, Zoey Clark threw a complete game, allowing just one earned run despite four crossing the plate. Her six innings featured seven hits allowed, two walks, and four strikeouts. Despite her strong effort, Schoolcraft's timely hitting in the middle innings secured the 4–2 result.
Game 2: RCTC 0, Cuyahoga 16
The second game of the stretch came against a red‑hot Cuyahoga lineup that scored early and continued applying pressure throughout. RCTC managed three hits—one each from Ivette Mendoza, Gigi Lundi, and Ella Bergan—but struggled to string anything together offensively. Lundi also added a stolen base.
Walks and big innings were the story defensively, as Cuyahoga scored in four of the five frames, including a seven‑run third. Alyssa Knudson pitched all five innings for RCTC, facing 38 batters and working through tough situations despite the heavy offensive output from the opposition.
While the final score was lopsided, the game provided valuable at‑bats for multiple Yellowjackets, including opportunities for younger players off the bench.
Game 3: RCTC 3, Mid Michigan 7
RCTC rebounded with one of its stronger offensive outings of the final four games, scoring twice in the first inning and adding another run in the second. Cason Forbrook led the way with a 2‑for‑2 performance and two RBI, while Keiara Daniel added an RBI of her own. Alyssa Knudson and Zoey Clark each contributed hits, and both Knudson and Gigi Lundi stole bases.
However, defensive miscues hampered RCTC's ability to hold the early lead. The Yellowjackets committed seven errors, helping Mid Michigan score in each of the first four innings. Clark pitched six innings, allowing only three earned runs despite seven total crossing the plate, and struck out three.
The early offensive spark showcased RCTC's potential, but the defensive struggles ultimately allowed Mid Michigan to pull away.
Game 4: RCTC 3, Kishwaukee 12
In the final game of the trip, RCTC again showed late life on offense, scoring three runs in the sixth inning. Zoey Clark had a strong day at the plate, going 2‑for‑3 with a double and driving in one run. Additional hits came from Knudson, Forbrook, Mendoza, and Bergan, while Keiara Daniel added a stolen base.
Errors were again a challenge, with five miscues contributing to Kishwaukee's ability to score in five of the six innings played. Knudson and Clark split pitching duties; Knudson went two innings, while Clark delivered four innings with only one earned run charged to her.
The Jackets are back in action on Friday March 13 for the final double header of the trip. They will then host the host the MCAC Crossover tournament on March 27 and 28 in the RCTC Dome.
