Softball Game Preview: Houghton Lake Bobcats vs. Manton Rangers

Houghton Lake hasn't had much luck against Manton recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Bobcats will be playing in front of their home fans against the Rangers at 4:15 p.m. One thing working in Houghton Lake's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last four contests.

On Friday, Houghton Lake got the win against Mesick by a conclusive 18-3. The Bobcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by ten runs or more this season.

Jacy Chambers

Runs (Career)

05/16/25 @ Mesick	3
05/10/25 vs Whittemore-Prescott	2
04/25/25 vs McBain	2
04/04/25 vs Harrison	2
05/02/25 vs Mio-Au Sable	1

Jacy Chambers was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Megan Houserman, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Houghton Lake was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Manton fell victim to Pine River Area and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They lost 18-0 to the Bucks. The loss continues a trend for the Rangers in their meetings with the Bucks: they've now lost four in a row.

Houghton Lake's win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 11-11. As for Manton, they now have a losing record of 6-7.

Houghton Lake might still be hurting after the 10-1 defeat they got from Manton when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Bobcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.