Northern comes away with trio of wins against rivals

Walled Lake Northern took care of business against three lakes area rivals last week to start the 2011 season on a high note.

The Knights (3-0 overall, 2-0 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division) began the week by traveling to Waterford Mott on Wednesday, April 13 and sweeping a doubleheader against the Corsairs.

Northern took the first game, 8-2. Kristina Weltzin picked up her first win of the season on the mound. Weltzin, a senior, is coming off a 2010 season in which she posted a 28-6 record, a 0.53 ERA, struck out 320 batters and walked only 48, and earned an Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-State Honorable Mention.

Jackie Parvin, Sam Kern, and Weltzin had three hits apiece, while Kari Knight, Mackensy Lakian, Megan Jerore and Stephanie Marzetti had two hits each.

The Knights followed up with a 6-0 shutout victory over Mott in the second game. Corrina Rotondo picked up her first varsity victory by allowing six hits and striking out eight batters.

Parvin, Knight and Lakian each had two hits in the nightcap.

Northern then played its home opener on Friday, April 15 against Huron Valley Milford and came away with a 9-1 victory.

Knight hit 3-for-4 with a double and a home run as part of an afternoon in which she drove in five runs.

Parvin, Kern, Lakian, and Weltzin each had a pair of hits and an RBI on the day.

On the mound, Weltzin allowed two hits and struck out five batters to earn her second win of the season.

The Knights were also scheduled to host a four-team tournament on Saturday, April 16, but it was canceled due to inclement weather.

Northern was scheduled to host Auburn Hills Avondale for a doubleheader on Monday, April 18 after press time.

The Knights will next host a doubleheader against Berkley tomorrow, Thursday, April 21.