CANTON – Unity Nelson struck history Friday night.

The senior Whiteford pitcher recorded 16 strikeouts against the state No. 3 ranked team in Division 1, surpassing 1,000 strikeouts for her career.

The Bobcats and Lions tied 2-2 in the first game of the Michigan Challenge Tournament that the Bobcats competed in this weekend.

“She is a hard worker, great teammate, fierce competitor, and wonderful person,” Whiteford coach Matt VanBrandt said. “We are so proud of her and this outstanding achievement.”

Nelson came into the game needed seven strikeouts to become just the second pitcher in Monroe County Region history to reach 1,000 career strikeouts and blew past that number in the third inning.

“She is the best pitcher we have ever had at Whiteford,” said Kris Hubbard, an assistant coach on the current team who has been coached at Whiteford since the softball program began in 1979.