HALE - April 13, 2006 - The Oscoda and Hale softball teams met for the second time in seven days, and on the scoreboard, at least, the results were pretty much the same as they were the first time.

The Owls scored six runs in the late innings to top Hale 6-2 in the opener, and earned a sweep with a 12-5 victory in the second game.

Hale took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, and held it until the Owls took the lead on Laurie David's two-run home run in the fourth inning. The Eagles tied it in the bottom of the frame, but Oscoda went ahead for good with three in the fifth.

"The girls started out from behind, they stayed strong, they stayed positive and they pulled together and won it," said Oscoda coach Jamie Samotis. "After Laurie's home run in the fourth, there was not stopping those girls.

"It amazes me how well this group of girls work with each other, constantly encouraging, pushing each other to do their best. They are making very smart decisions."

Riley Shelton picked up the win in the opener, walking four and striking out five. Heather Spenceley had two hits, including a double, and two RBIs; Heather Walker had two hits and drove in a run; and Dana Shugart added a double.

Chelsea Sidebottom had two hits, while Lauryn Springsteen and Amanda Hendrix each had run-scoring singles for Hale.

The Eagles once again took the early lead in the second game, but the floodgates opened for Oscoda with three runs in the third, five in the fourth and two in the fifth and sixth innings.

"I thought overall we played better," said Hale coach Todd Herzog. "We played better defense, but our offense sputtered. Some of that is that as we get into the season, the pitchers will be doing better."

"We finally turned the bats on," Samotis said. "A couple of the girls were a little bit out of it in the first game, (but) unleashed it in the second game.

"Justine Niemann, who has been struggling at the plate, unloaded a solid triple after switching to a lighter bat. With Justine, Laurie David, Heather Walker and Heather Spenceley firing up at the plate, i can't wait to see what happens next."

David, Spenceley and Nicole Kammerer each had hits, while Shugart added a triple. David again led the team with two RBIs. The Owls also turned their second double play of the season.

Shugart pitched the first four innings and struck out eight without walking a batter. Shelton pitched the final two innings.

Sabrina Provoast belted a pair of triples for Hale, scored twice and drove in two runs. Rachel Maher added two hits, while Springsteen, Courtney Weaver and Andrea Herzog had RBIs.

"The team stuck together and played with a total team effort," Samotis said. "They are always thinking and always running plays through their heads. It's just awesome."

Oscoda improved to 4-2, while the Eagles dropped to 1-5.