RAPID RIVER — The Superior Central Cougars sent plenty of hitters to the plate here Tuesday, sweeping to 24-3 and 33-12 softball victories over the Rapid River Rockets in a season-opening doubleheader.

Superior Central had 46 at-bats in the nightcap, including 22 in the second frame when it scored 20 times.

Both games were decided in three innings.

“Everybody got to play, and we got a chance to see what they can do,” said Cougars’ coach Rich Swajanen. “They’re just starting out. Their pitchers are inexperienced, but they’ll be all right after a while.”

The Cougars scored 13 runs in the first before the Rockets answered with nine in their half of the inning.

A two-run double to left field by junior Aiyana Semear brought Rapid River within 13-8, and sophomore Madi LaChance’s single to center made it 13-9.

The Cougars took advantage of two errors, nine walks and six wild pitches in the opening frame, then cashed in on four miscues, 10 walks, seven wild pitches and two passed balls in the second.

Rockets’ starter Carrigan Flath was forced out of the contest after taking a hard-hit ball to her throwing hand in the second.

“It was really hard when Carrigan came out,” said Rockets’ coach Shelby Hardwick. “Although, I’m proud of what (reliever) Creighton Smith brought to the game. The girls tried hard. Our hitting was good, but we need to work on our defense.”

Seniors Riley Johnson and Charlotte Charlebois led the Cougars with three hits apiece. Sophomore Alice Hancock went 2-for-2. Senior Shae Lampinen also had two hits. LaChance had a pair for the Rockets.

Cougars’ freshman Sammy Johnson pitched two innings in relief of sophomore Rachel Johnson.

Lampinen collected three hits, including a leadoff triple in the first inning of the opener. Senior Emma Rutter had two hits with a two-run triple. Junior Madison Begovac also finished with two hits.

Rutter struck out five and walked four in three innings of mound duty.

The Cougars visit Bark River-Harris for a twinbill today at 4. The Rockets, who were scheduled to play two at Norway Wednesday, host Stephenson April 26.