Preview: 4 Take Next Step for 1st Time
June 10, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Most teams journeying to Secchia Stadium at Michigan State University this weekend will be doing so for the first time, as this is only the second season MSU has hosted MHSAA Softball Finals weekend.
But for Caledonia, Carleton Airport, St. Clair and Montague, the trip will be a little more special – all four will be playing in an MHSAA Semifinal for the first time in their histories.
See below for a schedule of this weekend’s games, plus glances at all 16 teams that will take the field beginning Thursday.
Semifinals – Thursday
Division 1
Caledonia vs. Farmington Hills Mercy, 3 p.m.
Warren Regina vs. Mattawan, 5:30 p.m.
Division 2
Frankenmuth vs. Carleton Airport, 10 a.m.
Wayland vs. St. Clair, 12:30 p.m.
Semifinals – Friday
Division 3
Pinconning vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 3 p.m.
Bronson vs. Montague, 5:30 p.m.
Division 4
Kalamazoo Christian vs. Hillman, 10 a.m.
Holton vs. Unionville-Sebewaing, 12:30 p.m.
Finals – Saturday
Division 1: 12:30 p.m.
Division 2: 10 a.m.
Division 3: 5:30 p.m.
Division 4: 3 p.m.
Tickets cost $8 per round and include admission to baseball and girls soccer games that day also at MSU’s Old College Field. Radio broadcasts of all games can be heard online at MHSAAnetwork.com. All games will be streamed live online at MHSAA.TV and viewable on subscription basis.
All statistics below are through at least the regular season, with most through teams' Regionals. (Click for links to brackets and scores.)
DIVISION 1
CALEDONIA
Record/rank: 33-4, No. 3
Coach: Tom Kaechele, 14th season (288-165)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference White.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Samantha Gehrls, fr. P (.582, 35 R, 10 2B, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 19-1 pitching, 1.11 ERA, 159 K); Ashley Miller, sr. SS (.454, 53 R, 9 3B, 12 SB); Hannah Horvath, jr. 2B (.443, 49 R, 11 2B, 31 RBI, 13 SB).
Outlook: Caledonia won its first Regional title last weekend and eclipsed 30 wins for the second straight season despite replacing graduated all-state pitcher Morgan Swift. Freshman Gehrls has been phenomenal keying this program-best run; the Fighting Scots eliminated No. 4 Hudsonville in the Regional Final and honorable mention Midland in the Quarterfinal. She’s surrounded by strong bats – six Scots are hitting at least .396, including junior catcher Lexi Lieske (.396), junior first baseman McKenna Dixon (.406) and senior designated player Danielle Oracz (.451).
FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY
Record/rank: 27-3, No. 5
Coach: Alec Lesko, first season (27-3)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Championship history: Division 1 runner-up 2002.
Players to watch: Abby Krzywiecki, jr. 1B/P (.594, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 10-1 pitching, 2.98 ERA); Alex Sobczak, sr. C (.436, 55 R, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 11 SB); Sophia VanAcker, soph. LF (.545, 32 R, 26 RBI, 11 SB);
Outlook: Mercy won its first Regional title since 2007 with a team that should have an opportunity at multiple trips to Finals weekend. Sobczak was an all-state first-teamer last season but is one of only two seniors who start and three total on the team. Krzywiecki earned all-state honorable mention last season and will finish this one with multiple entries in the MHSAA records for her offensive prowess. She provides another strong arm to ace junior Andrea Elmore, who came into the week 15-2 with a 1.44 ERA and 143 strikeouts in just under 112 innings pitched.
MATTAWAN
Record/rank: 31-12, honorable mention
Coach: Alicia Smith, 15th season (400-177-1)
League finish: First in Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference East.
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2013 and 2011, runner-up 2012.
Players to watch: Joanna Bartz, soph. 3B (.433, 51 R, 13 2B, 12 HR, 63 RBI); Genny Soltesz, jr. 2B (.544, 66 R, 15 SB); Alexis Taube, soph. SS (.504, 49 R, 16 2B, 11 HR, 65 RBI).
Outlook: Mattawan was an extra-inning run in the 2012 Final from winning three straight titles, and after a year away is back at Finals weekend. Bartz earned an all-state honorable mention last season as a freshman, and she and Taube are the main run producers in a lineup loaded with five hitters batting .at least .433. The team has scored 415 runs – good for 11th in MHSAA history – and despite playing a loaded regular-season schedule and having to eliminate No. 1 Portage Central and No. 10 Plymouth during the playoffs. Junior first baseman Amber Mazahem (.455) and freshman pitcher Emily Koperdak (.441) are among additional top hitters, with Koperdak also 19-8 with a 3.28 ERA.
WARREN REGINA
Record/rank: 25-16, honorable mention
Coach: Diane Laffey, 45th season (1,116-439-3)
League finish: Third in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2007).
Players to watch: Gina Munson, sr. C/3B (.333, 31 RBI); Marissa Tiano, sr. P/DP (.403, 13 2B, 25 RBI); Riley Hison, sr. 2B (.431, 37 R, 22 RBI).
Outlook: Regina won its 19th straight District title this spring, but is back at the Finals for the first time since finishing a run of four straight MHSAA titles from 2004-07. Laffey is the winningest coach in Michigan softball history, predating the start of the MHSAA tournament by more than a decade. Regina may have more losses than anyone left in Division 1, but it also has handed Mercy its only three losses this season. Munson earned an all-state honorable mention in 2014 and catches Tiano and junior Nicole Roeske, who was 10-6 with a 2.84 ERA entering the week.
DIVISION 2
CARLETON AIRPORT
Record/rank: 36-4, honorable mention
Coach: John Warren, 21st season (520-222)
League finish: Tied for first in Huron League.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Emily Bindus, jr. P (.513, 37 R, 17 2B, 52 RBI, 23-1 pitching, 0.75 ERA, 216 K); Lauren French, sr. SS (.439, 52 R, 14 2B, 48 RBI); Alyssa Lang, soph. 2B (.496, 54 R, 16 2B, 39 RBI).
Outlook: Airport has been surging over a few years to reach this point, winning its first Regional title since 2009 and earning its first Semifinal berth after winning a third straight District and second league title in three seasons. The Jets scored in double figures in nearly half its wins, 16, with five hitters scoring at least 30 runs total this season. Senior catcher Carleigh Cousino adds another big bat, entering the week hitting .437 with 33 runs scored and 38 driven in. Airport has won 25 of its last 26 games; that only loss was in the regular-season finale, 1-0 to Division 3 No. 1 Monroe St. Mary.
FRANKENMUTH
Record/rank: 36-3-1, No. 10
Coach: Brad Walraven, sixth season (186-49)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference East.
Championship history: Class C champion 1991, Division 3 runner-up 2011.
Players to watch: Amariah Wright, sr. P/1B (.472, 13 2B, 6 HR, 58 RBI, 22-1 pitching, 1.00 ERA, 198 K); Andrea Perlberg, sr. 3B (.440, 51 R, 35 SB); Makenzie Sipes, sr. 2B (.409, 38 R, 31 RBI).
Outlook: The Eagles eliminated honorable mention Saginaw Swan Valley in the Regional Final and then No. 6 Escanaba in the Quarterfinal with a lineup boasting six strong seniors led by one of the most successful coaches in MHSAA history in Walraven (1,093-302 in 36 seasons overall). Senior Kayla Brooks (13-2, 1.74 ERA) gives the team deeper pitching than most and also plays first base – she made the all-state first team last season – and senior left fielder Alyssa Jarlock adds a .371 average to the middle of the lineup. Sophomore shortstop Hannah Karwat is the lone non-senior among the top six, cleaning up with a .394 average.
ST. CLAIR
Record/rank: 23-12, unranked
Coach: Kevin Mahn, ninth season (196-93-1)
League finish: Third in Macomb Area Conference Red.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Chelsea Schweiger, sr. CF (.500, 41 R, 15 SB); Hannah Gomola, sr. P (.453, 32 R, 10 2B, 30 RBI); Avary Humes, sr. SS (.408, 12 2B, 32 R).
Outlook: St. Clair made Quarterfinals in 2012 and 2013 and won a District title last season before breaking through this spring for its first Semifinal berth. The Saints eliminated No. 7 Croswell-Lexington in the Regional Final and have outscored its five tournament opponents by a combined 51-14. Schweiger earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is one of five senior starters. Another, Miranda Greig, hits .367 and was 8-5 pitching with a 2.63 ERA heading into this week.
WAYLAND
Record/rank: 34-2, No. 1
Coach: Cheri Ritz, 20th season (670-132)
League finish: First in O-K Gold.
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2006.
Players to watch: Mallory Teunissen, sr. P/OF (.349, 30-2 pitching, 0.23 ERA, 365 K); Abby Merice, fr. P/OF (.509, 43 R, 11 2B, 38 RBI, 17 SB); Morgan Teunissen, sr. 1B (.422, 41 R, 20 RBI, 11 SB); Caroline Miller, sr. 2B (.450, 47 R, 34 RBI, 15 SB).
Outlook: The Wildcats returned to the Semifinals in 2014 for the second time in three seasons and fell by a run in 10 innings; they could take the next step led by Mallory Teunissen, who is striking out an average of two batters per inning. Wayland has an argument as the best team of the regular season, having shut out both Division 1 No. 1 Portage Central and eventual semifinalist Mattawan. The lineup is a mix of strong seniors, one of only two juniors, and dynamic underclassmen; senior shortstop Hailey Houck (.414, 40 RBI) and freshman outfielder Sydney Urban (.418, 38 RBI) are among more dangerous hitters.
DIVISION 3
BRONSON
Record/rank: 36-7, unranked
Coach: Becky Gray, 10th season (294-86-1)
League finish: First in Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph Conference East.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Kinslea Blouin, sr. SS (.556, 52 R, 15 2B, 68 RBI, 16 SB); Skyler Sobeski, sr. P (.547, 62 R, 20 2B, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 24-3 pitching, 0.65 ERA, 209 K); Kelsey Robinson, jr. CF (.486, 63 R, 23 SB).
Outlook: Bronson has won 17 straight including 5-0 and 5-1 wins over No. 5 Buchanan near the end of the regular season; the Vikings outscored their five playoff opponents by a combined 44-1 and haven’t given up a run since Parchment scored the lone one in Bronson’s first District game. Sobeski was all-state first team and Blouin earned an honorable mention last season, but Hannah Hoover (.352) is the only other upperclassmen. There are nine underclassmen including eight freshmen, four who start.
MONROE ST. MARY CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 35-5, No. 1
Coach: John Morningstar, first season (35-5)
League finish: Tied for first in Huron League.
Championship history: Three runner-up finishes (most recent 2007).
Players to watch: Meghan Beaubien, soph. P; Ellie Cepo, sr. C. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: St. Mary won its first league title since 2008 and first District and Regional titles since that last runner-up season of 2007. The Kestrels eliminated No. 3 Napoleon in the Quarterfinal, and two of its losses were to teams playing in semifinals in bigger-school divisions (Airport and Mercy). They haven’t given up a run in five MHSAA tournament victories. Beaubien made the all-state first team last season as a freshman.
MONTAGUE
Record/rank: 22-12, unranked
Coach: Doug Rice, second season (36-24)
League finish: Third in West Michigan Conference.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Kenadee Shugars, sr. P (.422, 50 R, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 14-10 pitching, 2.61 ERA, 208 K); Linze Neubauer, sr. 1B (.432, 31 R, 33 RBI); Hannah Smith, soph. 2B (.410, 33 R).
Outlook: Montague has improved eight wins so far from Rice’s first to second season and will play in the Semifinals for the first time in program history. The Wildcats have won eight straight and 12 of their last 13 games after starting the spring 7-8. All 11 regulars hit at least .293 and seven hit at least .362; sophomore McKenna Lohman and junior Brandi Rice add punch in the middle of the lineup hitting .396 and .390, respectively. Shugars had 21 extra-base hits total entering the week – nine doubles and five triples to go with her seven home runs.
PINCONNING
Record/rank: 30-13, No. 8
Coach: Fred Yanoski, third season (79-42)
League finish: First in North East Michigan Conference.
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2000), one runner-up finish.
Players to watch: Josie Lavrack, sr. OF (.471, 56 R, 13 2B, 28 RBI); Gabby Yanoski, sr. 2B (.420, 50 R, 51 RBI); Malinda Talaga, sr. SS (.413, 46 R, 10 2B, 6 HR, 50 RBI).
Outlook: Pinconning has a rich softball tradition, with 27 straight league titles, but is returning to Finals weekend for the first time since 2004 after winning its first Regional title since 2010. The Spartans advanced in part by eliminating honorable mention Harrison, No. 4 Saginaw Valley Lutheran and No. 7 Reese. Talaga earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is among a strong group of five seniors, four who start. Junior Danielle Amlotte (20-10, 2.86 ERA) and sophomore Tegan Ferguson (9-3, 2.22) have handled the pitching duties, and junior Kayla Gauthier (.407, 48 RBI) adds another big bat to a lineup that had 25 home runs total entering the week.
DIVISION 4
HILLMAN
Record/rank: 30-3, honorable mention
Coach: Rich Price, first season (30-3)
League finish: Second in North Star League.
Championship history: 1996 Class D runner-up.
Players to watch: Vanessa Schook, soph. P/SS (.528, 45 R, 14 2B, 22 SB, 10-1 pitching, 1.31 ERA); Morgan Armon, soph. SS/3B (.500, 37 R, 23 RBI); Alissa Jones, sr. CF (.500, 35 R, 14 2B).
Outlook: Price took over the program this season after nine years as an assistant and has led the team to its first Regional title since 1999 and first Semifinal since 1996. Five regulars hit at least .400 and six hit at least .363 including the team’s three seniors, Jones, Eden Hunt (.403) and Courtney Sauer (.363). Schook is expected to get the start pitching, but has split those duties with sophomore third baseman Morgan Dove (.435, 14-2 pitching, 2.42 ERA); they are two of eight underclassmen on the roster.
HOLTON
Record/rank: 37-0, No. 3
Coach: Kirk Younts, first season (37-0)
League finish: First in Central State Activities Association Silver.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ashley Friend, sr. C (.661, 18 2B, 63 RBI); Rachel Younts, sr. P (.320, 13 2B, 26-0 pitching, 0.84 ERA, 185 K); Jacki Stone, sr. OF (.617, 52 R, 17 2B, 50 RBI).
Outlook: Holton has made a Semifinal once before, in 2013, and can finish off one of the most tremendous seasons in MHSAA history if its closes with a championship. The Red Devils advanced by beating No. 7 Coleman in the Quarterfinal and won a league filled with larger opponents while keeping opponents at two runs or fewer in 29 games. Stone made the all-state first team last season, and Friend and Rachel Younts earned honorable mentions. The lineup opens with two more .400-plus hitters in sophomore rightfielder Emily Larabee (.487, 60 R) and senior shortstop Katie Wildfong (.431, 60 R), who also was 8-0 pitching with a 1.60 ERA heading into the week.
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 28-14, No. 8
Coach: Terry Reynolds, second season (56-31)
League finish: First in Kalamazoo Valley Association.
Championship history: Seven MHSAA titles (most recent 2013), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Kara Gjeltema, jr. SS (.541, 48 R, 17 2B, 9 HR, 66 RBI); McKena Razenberg, jr. OF (.504, 63 R, 32 RBI, 24 SB); Aliyah Lemmer, soph. P (.369, 14 2B, 37 RBI, 15-13, 2.61 ERA).
Outlook: Kalamazoo Christian was Division 4 runner-up last season after winning the title in 2013, and no team in MHSAA history has played in more softball championship games. Gjeltema and senior second baseman Hannah Rozeveld (.285, 35 R, 25 RBI) are returning all-state first-team selections, and those two plus Lemmer and Razenberg played in last season’s Final, a one-run loss to Rogers City. Junior Haley Sikkenga provides another useful pitching option, sitting at 12-1 with a 3.35 ERA heading into this week.
UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING
Record/rank: 36-3, No. 1
Coach: Steve Bohn, fourth season (154-13)
League finish: First in Greater Thumb Conference West.
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Breanna Dinsmoore, sr. C (.479, 52 R, 15 2B, 11 HR, 55 RBI); Nicole Bauer, jr. P/1B (.463, 33 R, 17 2B, 46 RBI, 23-0 pitching, 0.38 ERA, 191 K); Erica Treiber, sr. CF/P (.429, 15 R in 12 games, 4-1 pitching, 1.27 ERA).
Outlook: After two straight runner-up finishes in Division 3, one a one-run loss and the other coming after nine innings, USA is back in Division 4 where it won its most recent title in 2009 and finished runner-up in 2011. The Patriots have eliminated No. 6 Ubly, No. 9 Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett and No. 10 Waterford Our Lady during this run. Treiber also is back after losing most of her season to an injury – she, Dinsmoore and Bauer all made the Division 3 all-state first team last season. Two others hit better than .400 – junior second baseman Kayla Gremel (.414, 30 RBI) and freshman outfielder Brianna Osentowske (.417), who was promoted when Treiber was injured in April.
PHOTO: Holton third baseman Kaitlynn Mock anticipates a play as a Coleman runner turns toward home during their Quarterfinal on Tuesday. Holton won to remain undefeated and advance to a Division 4 Semifinal. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com).
Preview: Prepare for Power-Packed Matchups, Plenty of History-Making Moments
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 15, 2022
The roster for this weekend’s MHSAA Softball Finals at Michigan State University’s Secchia Stadium makes for a power-packed lineup.
The 16 teams playing for four championships have combined to claim 28 Finals titles in the past. Unionville-Sebewaing and Stevensville Lakeshore are among those sitting second in MHSAA history with seven championships won – and with opportunities to tie the record of eight Saturday.
Also among those 16 contenders are seven seeking their first championship – and four hoping to reach Saturday’s season-concluding games for the first time.
Division 1 - Thursday
Mattawan vs. Allen Park, 10 a.m.
Hudsonville vs. Macomb Dakota, 12:30 p.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Essexville Garber vs. Trenton, 3 p.m.
Escanaba vs. Stevensville Lakeshore, 5:30 p.m.
Division 3 - Friday
Millington vs. Algonac, 10 a.m.
Grandville Calvin Christian vs. Evart, 12:30 p.m.
Division 4 - Friday
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart vs. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 3 p.m.
Unionville-Sebewaing vs. Pickford, 5:30 p.m.
FINALS – Saturday
Division 1 - 10 a.m.
Division 2 - 12:30 p.m.
Division 3 - 3 p.m.
Division 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $11 and may be purchased online only at GoFan. One ticket is good for all softball, baseball and girls soccer games at MSU’s Old College Field that day. All Semifinals and Finals will be broadcast and available with subscription from MHSAA.tv, with free audio broadcasts on the MHSAA Network.
Below is a glance at all 16 teams taking the field (with statistics through Regional Finals unless noted):
Division 1
ALLEN PARK
Record/rank: 36-4-1, No. 2
Coach: Michael Kish, third season (96-18-3)
League finish: First in Downriver League
Championship history: Division 1 runner-up 2021.
Players to watch: Madison Hool, sr. IF (.344, 32 R, 35 RBI); Madilyn Ramey, sr. IF (.490, 39 R, 16 2B, 39 RBI); Morgan Sizemore, jr. P (.400, 31 RBI, 20-4 pitching, 1.64 ERA, 126 K/145 IP); Mia Hool, jr. IF (.461, 14 2B, 28 RBI).
Outlook: Allen Park is back after coming up one win shy of its first Finals title in this sport, and eight starters are back from last year’s championship game lineup. Ramey, Madison Hool and Sizemore made the all-state first team last season, while Mia Hool and junior catcher Molly Hool (.425, 11 2B) earned honorable mentions. Junior Faith Peschke (.397, 33 R) and seniors Autumn Bridges and Riley Kish also are returning starters. Allen Park’s latest two tournament wins were over No. 8 Brownstown Woodhaven in the Regional Final and No. 6 Farmington Hills Mercy in the Quarterfinal.
HUDSONVILLE
Record/rank: 34-6, No. 9
Coach: Tom Vruggink, 41st season (1,124-89)
League finish: Second in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Players to watch: Ella Reifschneider, jr. SS (.536, 60 R, 41 RBI, 21 SB); Megan Beemer, soph. OF (.579, 70 R, 14 2B, 33 SB); Sydney Bosgraaf, jr. P (.367, 10 2B, 32 RBI, 16-4 pitching, 1.60 ERA, 167 K/105 IP); Annika Talsma, jr. 1B. (.487, 35 R, 21 2B, 62 RBI).
Outlook: Hudsonville is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since that most recent championship season, with wins over No. 5 Jenison and state rankings honorable mentions Zeeland West, Byron Center and Rockford along the way. Only two starters are seniors, and sophomore Elly Koopman (16-2, 1.62 ERA, 112 K/117 IP) joins Bosgraaf throwing for a team that has a big future as well. Junior Avery Hobson (.396, 14 2B, 39 RBI) is another big bat, and Koopman (.329), junior Ashley Sorrell (.330) and seniors Jessica Dobias (.338, 15 SB) and Lauren Schwallier (.354) help fill out the lineup.
MACOMB DAKOTA
Record/rank: 31-4, No. 3
Coach: Dan Vitale, third season (58-13-1)
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Red
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2017, runner-up 2016.
Players to watch: Megan Nuechterlein, jr. P (.392, 33 RBI, 16-2 pitching, 0.84 ERA, 199 K/108 IP); Angela Petrovitch, sr. SS (.505, 45 R, 39 SB); Brooklyn Plitz, jr. 2B (.490, 41 R, 19 SB); Faith Maloney, jr. UTY (.470, 23 RBI).
Outlook: Dakota took the next step after reaching the Quarterfinals a year ago. Dakota defeated honorable mention New Baltimore Anchor Bay in the Regional Final and No. 4 Walled Lake Northern in the Quarterfinal to run its winning streak to 20 this spring. Nuechterlein and senior catcher Briana Bumbalough made the all-state first team last season, with Petrovitch earning an honorable mention. Freshman Jenna Higgins (.373), sophomores Sidnee Puffpaff (.355, 13 SB) and Gracie Maloney (.330, 31 RBI) and senior May Franzoni (.319) help fill out the lineup.
MATTAWAN
Record/rank: 24-15, honorable mention
Coach: Alicia Smith, 22nd season (556-254-2)
League finish: Second in Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2013 and 2011, runner-up 2012.
Players to watch: Alyssa Bloomfield, sr. OF (.468, 52 R, 11 2B, 8 HR); Ashlyn Bloomfield, soph. SS (.404, 38 R, 30 RBI); Eliana Ruhrup, jr. 3B (.357, 10 2B, 46 RBI); Madison Vrba, jr. P (14-8, 2.32 ERA, 160 K/126 2/3 IP).
Outlook: This will be Mattawan’s sixth Semifinal trip over the last 10 seasons (not counting COVID-canceled 2020), and first since 2017. The Wildcats advanced with a 3-1 win over top-ranked and reigning champion South Lyon in a Quarterfinal, avenging an earlier sweep. Mattawan also notably closed the regular season with a split against Hudsonville. Alyssa Bloomfield made the all-state first team last season, and senior catcher Hannah Sweers earned an honorable mention. Senior Madelyn Beck (.325) is among others who add pop to the lineup.
Division 2
ESCANABA
Record/rank: 30-5, No. 7
Coach: Andy Fields, second season (49-15)
League finish: First in Great Northern Conference
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2019 and 2018, Division 1 runner-up 2003.
Players to watch: Anna Boutilier, soph. 3B (.511, 36 R, 17 SB); Lizzy Sliva, sr. OF (.495, 41 R, 10 2B, 10 HR, 45 RBI); McKayla Mott, jr. P (.433, 11 2B, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 14-2 pitching, 1.16 ERA, 130 K/78 1/3 IP); Carsyn Segorski, sr. SS (.379, 44 R, 30 SB).
Outlook: After missing out last year, Escanaba is back at the Semifinals for the fifth time in six seasons (not counting canceled 2020). The Eskymos defeated top-ranked Gaylord in the Regional Final and then No. 10 (tied) Hudsonville Unity Christian in the Quarterfinal, and all five losses this spring were to top-10 ranked teams in either Division 1 or 2. Segorski, a starter in the 2019 Final, earned an all-state honorable mention last season and leads off for a lineup that as a whole entered the week hitting .446. There are big bats throughout, with senior Erica Moore (.474, 11 2B, 30 RBI), juniors Carney Salo (.465, 31 RBI) and Paxton Bullen (.483, 39 R, 12 2B, 19 SB), sophomore Carley McInerney (.421, 32 R) and freshman Grayson LaMarche (.412) regulars as well. LaMarche (10-2, 1.73, 135 K/64 2/3 IP) is expected to get the Semifinals start in the circle.
ESSEXVILLE GARBER
Record/rank: 35-8, No. 8
Coach: Chris Kokaly, second season (69-16)
League finish: Second in Tri-Valley Conference 8
Championship history: Class B runner-up 1997.
Players to watch: Alexis Linton, jr. SS (.432, 59 R, 36 RBI, 26 SB); Sarah Basket, jr. P (.468, 20 2B, 46 RBI, 22-4 pitching, 1.87 ERA, 242 K/172 1/3 IP); Kortney Kotenko, jr. C (.527, 11 HR, 53 RBI); Lauren Claerbout, sr. C/OF (.462, 47 R, 12 2B).
Outlook: Garber defeated No. 10 (tied) Linden, No. 5 Frankenmuth and honorable mention Detroit Country Day in its last three games to reach the Semifinals for the first time since that runner-up season of 1997. The Frankenmuth win avenged a doubleheader sweep by the league rival Eagles. Basket earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is part of a junior class that makes up two-thirds of the hitting and fielding lineups. Seniors Emma Miller (.357, 30 RBI) and Jacqueline Brinkman (.324) and juniors Ella Wagner (.426, 39 R, 40 RBI) and Laney Kokaly (.403, 32 R, 15 2B, 39 RBI, 20 SB) also are major contributors.
STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE
Record/rank: 38-4, honorable mention
Coach: Denny Dock, 43rd season (1,054-228)
League finish: First in Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Seven MHSAA titles (most recent 2014), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Gianna Kerschbaum, sr. P/OF (.387, 53 R, 12 HR, 34 RBI, 1.94 ERA); Olivia DenDooven, sr. IF (.363, 41 R); Pallas Dominion, soph. 2B (.357, 46 R, 32 RBI, 14 SB); Anna Chellman, sr. 3B (.394, 52 R, 32 RBI).
Outlook: Dock is the third-winningest coach in MHSAA softball history, and Lakeshore is something of a regular at the Semifinals with this its seventh appearance since 2010 and latest since finishing Division 2 runner-up in 2019. Kerschbaum made the all-state first team as a pitcher last season and was the team’s starter in the 2019 Final. She had 11 wins this season entering the week as part of a three-person staff with junior Ava Mullen winning 14 games and sophomore Avery Arwood 11 as well, all with ERAs below 2.00. Junior Eden Gray is another important bat, hitting .350 with 35 runs scored.
TRENTON
Record/rank: 32-10, honorable mention
Coach: Rick Tanguay, third season (62-15)
League finish: Second in Downriver League
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2005.
Players to watch: Annika Segedi, soph. 2B (.522, 56 R, 25 SB); Olivia Hickman, sr. C/DP (.465, 20 2B, 49 RBI); London Williams, soph. SS (.512, 56 R, 18 2B, 57 RBI, 12 SB, 6-0 pitching, 2.15 ERA); Aila Johnson, sr. P (21-9, 2.47 ERA, 160 K/155 2/3 IP).
Outlook: Trenton is back at the Semifinals for the first time since that runner-up season of 2005, and despite losing all-stater and Michigan recruit Lillian Vallimont for the entire season. Williams, also an all-state first-teamer last season, has continued to produce big numbers and forms an outstanding duo up the middle with Segedi, an all-state honorable mention in 2021. Trenton finished second in the Downriver League only to Division 1 contender Allen Park, and defeated honorable mention Milan on the way to MSU. Sophomore Molly Edmunds (.364) and juniors Gracie Rickman (.347, 38 R, 32 RBI) and Kendyl Gearhart (.330) also bring strong averages to the starting lineup.
Division 3
ALGONAC
Record/rank: 32-3, No. 4
Coach: Len Perkins, fourth season (76-33)
League finish: Second in Blue Water Area Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ella Stephenson, jr. OF (.650, 64 R, 18 2B, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 28 SB); Kenna Bommarito, soph. P/1B (.527, 32 R, 15 2B, 37 RBI, 17-2 pitching, 1.64 ERA, 181 K/115 IP); Sierra Vosler, soph. OF (.419 32 R, 41 RBI, 14 SB); Brianna Thomason, sr. 2B (.410, 45 R, 34 RBI).
Outlook: Algonac has emerged from one of the state’s strongest leagues – the BWAC also included No. 2 Richmond and No. 5 Almont – to win its first Regional title and reach the season’s final week for the first time. The Muskrats advanced with a 5-4 Quarterfinal win over honorable mention Grass Lake. Stephenson made the all-state first team last season and is enjoying one of the most jaw-dropping seasons in the state this spring. Freshman Jaycee Reams (.372, 37 R, 41 RBI, 13 SB), sophomore Camdin Thaler (.380, 34 R) and senior Maria Simpson (.344, 11 SB) also are key contributors for a lineup averaging 10.8 runs per game. In addition to Bommarito in the circle, junior Deanna DeLange entered the week 11-0 with a 1.18 ERA. Senior catcher Sophia DuVernay earned an all-state honorable mention last season.
EVART
Record/rank: 31-8-1, unranked
Coach: Amanda Brown, 11th season (160-110-3)
League finish: First in Highland Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Addysen Gray, jr. P (.445, 57 R, 29 RBI, 20-4 pitching, 1.50 ERA, 207 K/144 1/3 IP); Katelyn Gostlin, soph. 3B (.512, 46 R, 22 2B, 50 RBI); Kayanne Tiedt, soph. 2B (.447, 28 R); Brooklyn Decker, soph. RF (.395, 33 R, 10 2B).
Outlook: Brown has led Evart to a 57-14-1 record over the last two seasons and this spring its first Regional title since 1999 and first trip to the Semifinals. The Wildcats haven’t given up more than a run in any of six playoff games. Senior Skylar Baumgardner (.378, 35 R), sophomore Ally Theunick (.377, 29 RBI) and freshman Kylynn Thompson (.370, 37 R, 7-3 pitching, 2.04 ERA) also bring big bats to the lineup. And the future looks incredibly bright as well, with Baumgardner and first baseman Veronica Lofquist the only senior starters in a lineup that also includes five underclassmen.
GRANDVILLE CALVIN CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 34-3, honorable mention
Coach: Michal Huizenga, second season (70-8)
League finish: First in O-K Silver
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 1993), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Brooke Hunderman, sr. P/IF (.383, 33 R, 10 2B, 43 RBI, 24-2 pitching, 1.17 ERA, 194 K/143 2/3 IP); Macy Verbeek, jr. C (.520, 60 R, 18 2B, 47 RBI, 13 SB); Anna Zoet, fr. 3B (.559, 71 R, 28 2B, 40 RBI, 19 SB); Lauren Steenstra, sr. SS (.488, 55 R, 22 2B, 60 RBI).
Outlook: Calvin Christian finished Division 3 runner-up in 2016 and is back at the Semifinals for the first time since after also reaching the Quarterfinals two more seasons in between. Hunderman made the all-state first team last season, and Verbeek earned an honorable mention, and they help lead a lineup with plenty of run production. Zoet is enjoying a memorable high school debut, and sophomores Karsen Balmer (.411, 36 RBI), Emili Goodheart (.387, 34 R, 42 RBI) and Grace Walcott (.340) are among other key contributors. Hunderman, Steenstra and outfielder Katelynn VanDyken (.328) are the only seniors on the roster, with junior Andrea Diemer (.309) and sophomore Ella Walcott two more starters who should make the 2023 team tough as well.
MILLINGTON
Record/rank: 33-3, No. 1
Coach: Greg Hudie, 13th season (329-97)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference 10
Championship history: Division 3 champion 2019, runner-up 2018.
Players to watch: Ashley Ziel, sr. P (.339, 42 R, 10 2B, 25-3 pitching, 1.64 ERA, 209 K/153 1/3 IP); Trinity Fessler, sr. C (.475, 37 R, 18 2B, 44 RBI); Lilia Sherman, jr. 1B (.516, 46 R, 21 2B, 51 RBI, 8-0 pitching, 2.38 ERA); Dylan Holmes, sr. SS (.472, 42 R, 11 2B, 35 RBI).
Outlook: Hudie helped Millington earn its first championship in 2019 with Fessler, Ziel and senior Leah Coleman (.414, 54 R, 16 2B, 36 RBI) making contributions in the Final as freshmen. Fessler, Ziel and now-senior centerfielder Emma Dickie (.412, 38 R, 10 2B, 41 RBI) made the all-state first team last season, and Sherman earned an honorable mention. The Cardinals advanced with their most recent wins over No. 2 Richmond in the Quarterfinal and No. 9 Cass City and honorable mention New Lothrop in the Regional. Seniors Falon Wilson (.337, 31 R) and Shannon Ziel (.296, 33 R) are two more key contributors to a lineup averaging just under 10 runs per game.
Division 4
MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART
Record/rank: 27-11, unranked
Coach: Josh Wheaton, fifth season (86-47)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Laura Goenner, sr. OF (.436, 51 R, 40 RBI, 24 SB); Kelsey McDonald, sr. 2B (.449, 49 R, 27 SB); Ellery Garver, fr. 1B (.630, 37 R, 12 2B, 33 RBI, 18 SB); Nyah Carson, fr. P/OF (.447, 29 R, 39 RBI).
Outlook: Sacred Heart is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since 2012, with a Regional win over No. 7 Portland St. Patrick among highlights from the tournament run. The Irish have won nine straight since suffering a 10-0 regular-season loss to St. Patrick. Goenner made the all-state first team last season, and McDonald earned an honorable mention. Senior Natalie Jones (14-2 pitching, 2.88 ERA, 135 K/102 IP) will throw for Sacred Heart, and she’s also part of a hitting lineup with all batters averaging at least .303. Senior Anna Terwilliger (.375, 34 R, 10 2B, 33 RBI, 12 SB) is another major run producer, with junior Eliza Pieratt (.370), freshman Kallie Smith (.315), Jones (.314) and senior Emma Yonker (.303) rounding out the lineup.
OTTAWA LAKE WHITEFORD
Record/rank: 39-4, No. 2
Coach: Matt VanBrandt, third season (71-9)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 1987), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Alyssa VanBrandt, jr. SS (.692, 68 R, 12 2B, 43 RBI, 27 SB); Unity Nelson, soph. P/2B (.417, 46 RBI, 20-3 pitching, 0.36 ERA, 239 K/116 IP); Ambrelle Billau, sr. 3B (.490, 62 R, 10 2B, 50 RBI, 14 SB); Berlynn Keller, sr. P/2B (.441, 11 2B, 50 RBI, 17-0 pitching, 1.13 ERA, 145 K/87 IP).
Outlook: Whiteford is a combined 71-9 over VanBrandt’s two seasons and is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since finishing Division 4 runner-up in 2017 and after reaching the final week of the season for the fourth time in six seasons (not counting canceled 2020). VanBrandt, Nelson, Billau and Keller all made the all-state first team last spring. Senior Adrianna VanBrandt is hitting .516 with 44 runs scored and 16 stolen bases, and junior Patrina Marsh (.391, 37 R, 11 SB) and sophomores Karlei Conard (.359), Jillian Webb (.339) and Kaydence Sheldon (.300) round out the hitting lineup.
PICKFORD
Record/rank: 24-14-2, unranked
Coach: Matt Hudecek, second season (42-22-2)
League finish: Second in Straits Area Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Lucy Bennin, sr. UTY (.530, 64 R, 12 2B, 47 RBI); Laura Bush, soph. P/1B (.441, 41 R, 41 RBI, 8-4 pitching); Chloe May, soph. SS (.396, 62 R, 12 2B, 39 RBI); Lizzie Storey, sr. OF (.365, 42 R, 35 RBI). (Statistics include Quarterfinal.)
Outlook: Pickford is making its first trip to the Semifinals after winning its first Regional title in this sport. The Panthers advanced by defeating honorable mention Norway in the Regional Final and No. 8 Hillman in the Quarterfinal. Pickford is averaging 10.6 runs per game and has scored in double digits four of five playoff games. Six sophomores and five seniors make up the bulk of the roster, with two juniors, and sophomore Finley Hudecek (14-9, 105 K/149 IP) will be in the circle for the Semifinal. Senior Morgan Fox (.359), junior Madison Thurmes (.309) and Hudecek (.306) also are among the team’s top-hitting regulars.
UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING
Record/rank: 29-9, No. 1
Coach: Isaiah Gainforth, sixth season (163-39)
League finish: First in Greater Thumb Conference West
Championship history: Seven MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Laci Harris, sr. P/3B (.489, 61 R, 19 2B, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 18-5 pitching, 1.29 ERA, 212 K/130 IP), Macy Reinhardt, sr. 2B (.434, 48 R, 13 2B, 38 RBI); Gabriella Crumm, soph. C (.556, 57 R, 20 2B, 11 HR, 50 RBI); Ella Neumann, soph. SS (.476, 40 R, 17 2B, 44 RBI, 15 SB).
Outlook: USA has won four of the last six Division 4 championships including the last two, and this year’s Patriots are plenty tested with all nine losses to ranked teams in Divisions 2 and 3 including two (Garber and Millington) playing for championships this weekend. USA defeated No. 4 Riverview Gabriel Richard in the Quarterfinal. Reinhardt and Harris made the all-state first team last season, and Crumm earned an honorable mention. Sophomores Jenna Gremel (.441, 43 R, 45 RBI) and Rylie Betson (.407, 42 R, 10 2B, 35 RBI), and juniors Olivia Jubar (.389 46 R, 17 2B, 41 RBI), Kennedy Schember (.344, 41 R, 10 2B) and Lauren Green (.340, 32 R) round out a lineup averaging 11.1 runs per game.
PHOTO Grandville Calvin Christian huddles up before the start of an inning during a Division 3 Regional Final against Ravenna. (Photo by Bethany McCullough/CatchMark SportsNet.)