D2 Softball Final: The Legend of Hayes
June 16, 2012
BATTLE CREEK – The legend of Livonia Ladywood sophomore Lauren Hayes sprouted with two outs left in Friday’s Division 2 Semifinal at Bailey Park.
It grew exponentially in Saturday’s championship game.
Coming in for injured four-year pitcher Briana Combs and needing two outs Friday against Wayland Union, Hayes got two strikeouts. And in the Final, with Combs unable to throw due to a left knee injury, Hayes tossed a three-hitter to lead the Blazers to a 4-0 win over Saginaw Swan Valley and their first MHSAA title.
Hayes also had three hits and two RBI leading off for Ladywood, which finished 39-3 and entered the tournament ranked No. 2. Junior third baseman Celeste Fidge also played a big part, driving in two runs.
Swan Valley entered the tournament ranked No. 3 and got one more impressive pitching performance from senior Mackenzie Boehler, who gave up only two earned runs.
The Vikings finished 39-3. Click for a full box score.
Have You Seen "The Catch" from Friday's Softball Semifinals?
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 17, 2023
An over-the-fence homer-robbing grab by Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart’s Alexys Zeien took just a few seconds to become legend Friday, creating a buzz all over Old College Field where the MHSAA and Michigan State are hosting Softball, Baseball and Girls Soccer Finals this weekend.
The Irish senior centerfielder’s snag of what looked to be a sure-thing fence-clearing drive by Unionville-Sebewaing junior Gabrielle Crumm is getting national play this morning as well. Check it out above, from the NFHS Network, via the State Champs! Sports Network feed.
Click for full coverage of USA’s 2-1 win from MHSAA.com.
PHOTO by Jim Pivarnik.