Hillman’s postseason run ends in quarterfinals

RUDYARD, Mich. — For the first time since 2015, the Hillman Tigers softball team played in their first state tournament game. Thursday, the Tigers had a meeting with the Rudyard Bulldogs in a state quarterfinal match. Home-field advantage played a huge factor for the Bulldogs as they ended Hillman’s postseason run winning 4-1.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Jessica Jones launched a solo shot that went over the fence in left field to give Hillman an early 1-0 lead.

After that, Rudyard took control of the ball game. In the bottom of the third inning, Morgan Bickel lifted a shot into center, which scored Chesney Molina as a sacrifice fly.

Hillman closes out the season with a 23-18 overall record. Rudyard will play Holton in the state semifinals on Friday at 10 a.m. in East Lansing.