Savvy Seniors Lead Frankenmuth to Final
June 11, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
EAST LANSING – Senioritis always weighs on a spring coach’s mind. It can drain the potential from the best of MHSAA championship contenders.
Frankenmuth softball coach Brad Walraven discussed that possibility once with his team, which includes seven recent graduates. And then he forgot they ever had the conversation.
That’s how focused the Eagles have been this spring. And they were thankful for veteran composure Thursday during the final innings of the first Division 2 Semifinal at Secchia Stadium.
Carleton Airport had advanced to Michigan State with an epic extra-inning comeback against Portland in Tuesday’s Quarterfinal, and looked to be mounting another with Frankenmuth up two runs in the sixth inning. But a heads-up play and a clutch strikeout from their ace ended the rally and the only threat faced by the Eagles in a 4-0 win.
“One little thing can cost you this ballgame when you get to this point. You have to literally focus one pitch at a time … or else you could just blow up,” Frankenmuth senior pitcher Amariah Wright said. “I’m really proud of my team for staying focused all the way through.”
Frankenmuth (37-3-1), ranked No. 10 at the end of the regular season, will face No. 1 Wayland in the Final at 10 a.m. Saturday. Both teams have an MHSAA title to their credit – Wayland’s coming in 2006 and the Eagles’ in 1991.
Since finishing Division 3 runner-up in 2011, Frankenmuth reached the Regional round both in 2012 and again last season. But both times the Eagles fell shy of returning to the season's final week.
Led this time by a strong senior class including six who start, Frankenmuth built on a league championship with wins over honorable mention Saginaw Swan Valley and No. 6 Escanaba over the last two weeks.
Airport trailed Portland by four runs in the seventh inning of its Tuesday Quarterfinal. The Jets came back to down the Raiders 5-4 with a walk-off double in the eighth inning.
Frankenmuth led by 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth Thursday when Carleton Airport put runners on first and second base with one out. A fly to left field dropped in for another single just in front of senior Alyssa Jarlock. The hit could’ve loaded the bases.
Instead, Jarlock made perhaps the most astute play of the game. Bypassing the usual toss in to second, she threw to third base and threw out the advancing runner for the second out of the inning.
Wright then struck out the next batter, and the Eagles added a few more runs to put the game away in the seventh.
“That’s what senior leadership does,” said Walraven, a veteran himself of 36 seasons and nearly 1,100 wins to rank as the second-winningest softball coach in MHSAA history. “The one thing you have to worry about with seniors is sometimes they phase out at the end of the year (with) a lot of activities with school. This group stayed focused the whole time, and they talked to the underclassmen. Everybody’s always prepared and ready to play.
“It’s a little bit of the coaches. But it’s mostly on the girls.”
Frankenmuth scored its first two runs in the third inning, with the lone hit of the rally an RBI-single by Wright. Senior Makenzie Sipes, who had reached base on a fielder’s choice, moved to third on the single and scored the second run as part of a double steal that forced a throw to second base and opened up home.
Senior Kayla Brooks scored in the seventh inning after a single, and Jarlock came around for the fourth run on a ground out after reaching base on an error and stealing second base.
Wright finished with nine strikeouts and walked only one batter. She gave up four hits and only one over the first five innings. Airport junior Emily Bindus also was sharp, giving up only one earned run for the Jets (36-5), striking out nine while giving up only three hits and walking two.
The win was Frankenmuth’s 12th straight.
“Last year was just kinda like a building year. This year finally the team is just strong. It’s so exciting to watch us just go,” Wright said. “I’ve been wanting this since my freshman year, and now we’re finally here and it’s insane. I love it.”
Wayland 11, St. Clair 0
Wayland had unfinished work after getting back to the Semifinals last season but falling in 10 innings to Livonia Ladywood. The Wildcats entered this postseason ranked No. 1 in Division 2 as arguably the most impressive team in Michigan this season regardless of division – and only added to that reputation Thursday.
They led 4-0 before St. Clair (23-13) got a chance to bat in the first Semifinal in that school's history.
Wayland (35-2) added seven more runs in the fifth inning to finish the game for senior pitcher Mallory Teunissen, who struck out more than half the batters she faced – nine of 15 – and allowed only two hits.
“I made sure I said let’s score on the first thing so we don’t have to wait and have stress,” said Teunissen, who also was 2 for 3 at the plate. “My sister Morgan came up and had a hit, and everyone followed, and we scored, and it just made the stress level for everybody and me so much easier.”
Wayland was playing in its third Semifinal in four seasons. But there was shock and sadness instead of celebration after as coaches and players were told of the death of Bill Merchant, father of assistant coach Nicki Cardosa and brother-in-law to head coach Cheri Ritz, earlier Thursday after an apparent car accident.
Merchant also was Wayland’s junior varsity boys basketball coach. His four daughters all played large roles in the Wayland program – Jessica and Macy appear in the MHSAA record book – and then at the college level, and Jessica, Macy and Brittini coach in the Big Ten. His wife Deb Merchant has coached tennis for Wayland.
“(I told the players) that we have another angel in the sky, because my dad was killed in a car accident too,” Ritz said. “I was the AD at Wayland, and it was after a basketball game. He was helping me and got in a car accident, so our family has been through this before.
“But we have another angel in the sky.”
Senior shortstop Hailey Houck had two hits, scored two runs and drove in one for Wayland. Sophomore catcher Leigha Morse also had two hits and three RBI, and senior third baseman Morgan Winger and freshman designated player Sydney Urban both drove in two runs.
PHOTOS: (Top) Frankenmuth’s Amariah Wright prepares to unload a pitch during Thursday’s Division 2 Semifinal win. (Middle) A Wayland runner grabs for the plate while being tagged by St. Clair catcher Sydney Griffor.
Preview: Softball's End-of-Season Celebration Could Include 1st-Time Champs
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 14, 2023
The final weekend of this softball season could feature at least a few first-time championships celebrations.
Of 16 teams playing at Michigan State's Secchia Stadium this weekend, 10 are seeking their first Finals title and eight have never reached the championship game.
Of the remaining six teams, only two have won Finals this century.
Those two, however, are regulars Unionville-Sebewaing and Richmond, which both rank among the top 10 all-time in softball title game appearances.
Division 1 – Thursday
Grand Blanc vs. Brownstown Woodhaven, 3 p.m.
Hartland vs. Lake Orion, 5:30 p.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Vicksburg vs. Richmond, 10 a.m.
Gaylord vs. Dearborn Divine Child, 12:30 p.m.
Division 3 – Friday
Standish-Sterling vs. Ravenna, 3 p.m.
Laingsburg vs. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 5:30 p.m.
Division 4 – Friday
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart vs. Unionville-Sebewaing, 10 a.m.
Johannesburg-Lewiston vs. Mendon, 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 $11 and may be purchased online only at GoFan. One ticket is good for all baseball, softball 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):
Division 1
BROWNSTOWN WOODHAVEN
Record/rank: 34-4, No. 10 (tied)
Coach: Ken Kroll, second season (69-10)
League finish: Tied for first in Downriver League
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ella Thomas, sr. 2B (.431, 47 R, 13 2B, 30 RBI); Ariel Krueger, soph. SS (.467, 58 R, 18 2B, 36 RBI); Grace Usher, jr. P/OF (.409, 36 RBI, 17-3 pitching, 1.46 ERA, 155 K/124 1/3 IP); Grace Walker, jr. 3B (.548, 43 R, 10 2B, 36 RBI).
Outlook: After winning a District title last season – Kroll’s first leading the program – Woodhaven has taken an even more sizable step in advancing to its first Semifinal. Along the way, the Warriors defeated honorable mention Temperance Bedford and No. 9 Saline – and a regular-season split with No. 3 Allen Park was a good indicator this was possible. Seven regulars are hitting at least .400, with freshman Mia Taylor (.436, 41 R), senior Lindsay Marlewitz (.428, 34 RBI) and junior Brooke Taylor (.406, 34 R) also among top contributors. Sophomore Danielle Couture has split pitching with Usher and entered the week 14-1 with a 1.40 ERA.
GRAND BLANC
Record/rank: 35-4-1, No. 6
Coach: Jami Neubecker, seventh season (152-61-3)
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley League
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Sydney Long, sr. P (20-1 pitching, 0.85 ERA, 272 K/131 2/3 IP, .474, 13 2B, 40 RBI); Carson Kuhlmann, sr. C (.466, 50 R, 12 2B, 36 RBI, 14 SB); Katelyn DeWitt, jr. 3B (.603, 60 R, 18 2B, 15 HR, 77 RBI); Kayla Blumenschein, fr. 2B (.420, 11 2B, 32 RBI).
Outlook: Grand Blanc has won four straight league and two consecutive District titles, with the Regional championship the program’s first since 2006. The Bobcats defeated honorable mention DeWitt and No. 7 Jenison on their way to MSU. Long made the all-state first team last season, and Kuhlmann earned honorable mention. They have plenty of help; notably, Katelyn DeWitt is set to reach the MHSAA record book for single-season doubles, homers and RBI, and juniors Audrey Kranz (.389, 36 R, 29 RBI) and Jaclyn Garvey (.378, 50 R, 17 SB) also bolster the top six in the lineup.
HARTLAND
Record/rank: 33-4-1, No. 5
Coach: Taylor Wagner, fifth season (115-24-2)
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association West and overall
Championship history: Class A champion 1996, Division 1 runner-up 2018.
Players to watch: Kate McIntyre, jr. 1B (.457, 37 R, 11 2B, 40 RBI); Sadie Malik, soph. C (.350); Kylie Swierkos, sr. P (.359, 13 2B, 20-1 pitching, 0.81 ERA, 241 K/155 2/3 IP); Abby Gardner, sr. OF (.342, 30 R, 11 2B).
Outlook: Hartland has won two District, three league and two Regional titles in four seasons under Wagner, not counting canceled 2020, and advanced this time thanks in part to a Regional Final win over No. 4 Farmington Hills Mercy. The losses were pretty impressive too, including one each to top-ranked Dakota and Division 2 top-ranked Gaylord. All four of the team's seniors start, including also Faith DeLanoy at third base and Riley Phillips at second.
LAKE ORION
Record/rank: 33-6, honorable mention
Coach: Joe Woityra, 14th season (371-115-2)
League finish: Second in Oakland Activities Association Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final
Players to watch: Rylee Limberger, soph. P (.333, 20-4 pitching, 1.07 ERA, 156 K/131 1/3 IP); Sydney Bell, jr. 2B (.488, 49 R, 10 2B, 31 SB); Jada Lopez, soph. P (.465, 30 RBI, 9-2 pitching, 2.30 ERA); Anna Gardner, jr. 3B (.491, 41 R, 16 2B, 45 RBI).
Outlook: Lake Orion had previously won two Regional titles, but has followed its third with its first trip to the Semifinals. The Dragons scored double-digit runs their first three playoff games and then upset top-ranked Macomb Dakota 2-1 in the Regional Final before posting their third shutout of the tournament against Utica Ford. Senior Avery Case (.371) earned an all-state honorable mention last season, and the future is bright as there is only one senior starter anticipated this weekend. Sophomore Addy Dukus (.454, 11 2B) and juniors Ellie Britt (.448, 11 2B, 34 RBI), Maddie Eckert (.431, 42 R) and Alexis Hazen (.420) all are key contributors as well to a .418 team batting average.
Division 2
DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD
Record/rank: 28-7, unranked
Coach: Regina Dunn, eighth season (128-84)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Class B champion 1975, Division 2 runner-up 1998.
Players to watch: Savina Olada, sr. 3B/OF; Avery Schellenberger, sr. SS; Alexis Hansen, soph. OF; Jessica Nelson, soph. P/3B/1B. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: Divine Child was last at the Semifinals in 2018, and this time advanced with four double-digit shutout wins and then an 11-3 victory over honorable mention Trenton in the Quarterfinal. The Falcons finished second in the Catholic League Central only to Division 1 No. 4 Farmington Hills Mercy, which it challenged well in three losses. Three more defeats came to Division 2 top-ranked Gaylord and two ranked Division 1 teams. Sophomore Katherine Modrzewjewski and senior Isabella DePaulis also are top contributors.
GAYLORD
Record/rank: 37-2, No. 1
Coach: Tony Vaden, first season (37-2)
League finish: First in Big North Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Alexis Kozlowski, sr. 3B/1B (.587, 60 R, 23 2B, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 23 SB); Aubrey Jones, soph. P/SS (.482, 54 R, 15 2B, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 10-1 pitching, 1.07 ERA, 83 K/58 2/3 IP); Jayden Jones, jr. P/SS (.429, 37 R, 34 RBI, 9-1 pitching, 0.29 ERA); Taylor Moeggenberg, jr. C (.517, 12 2B, 9 HR, 44 RBI).
Outlook: The majority of this team also brought Gaylord to the Semifinals in 2021 as freshmen and sophomores, and the Blue Devils have played many of the state’s best on the way back with losses only to Division 1 top-ranked Macomb Dakota and No. 5 Hartland. Of the team’s 37 wins, 24 have been shutouts; junior Avery Parker (11-0, 1.70 ERA) and senior Abby Radulski (6-0, 0.00) join the Jones sisters on a dominating staff. Kozlowski has signed with Ferris State, Jayden Jones has committed to Virginia Tech and Aubrey Jones has multiple major Division I offers already, and a number of teammates also are committed to college programs. Juniors Braleigh Miller (.445, 47 R, 24 SB), Parker (.439, 45 R, 14 2B, 30 RBI), Hali Lenartowicz (.426, 33 R) and Alexis Shepherd (.417, 55 R, 18 2B, 34 RBI – committed to Toledo) help fill out a lineup that’s been almost unstoppable. Kozlowski and Jayden Jones made the all-state first team last season, and Moeggenberg earned an honorable mention.
RICHMOND
Record/rank: 29-9, honorable mention
Coach: Howard Stuart, 45th season (1,128-329)
League finish: Third in Blue Water Area Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Liz Shuboy, jr. IF (.370, 39 RBI), Piper Clark, sr. IF/P (.600, 61 R, 15 2B, 53 RBI, 20 SB), Katie Shuboy, soph. P/IF (16-4 pitching, 1.60 ERA, 179 K/114 IP); Ashley Stafford, soph. C/IF (.480, 30 R, 45 RBI)
Outlook: Richmond has won three straight Regional titles and has returned to the Semifinals this time in Division 2 after missing in Division 3 a year ago. The Blue Devils advanced with a Quarterfinal win over No. 9 Frankenmuth after previous tournament victories over honorable mentions St. Clair and Detroit Country Day, and after they finished third in the powerful BWAC to Divison 3 No. 2 Algonac and No. 3 Almont. Clark, the lone senior, and Katie Shuboy made the all-state first team in Division 3 last season. Freshman Emma Bambrick (.356, 12 2B) is another promising hitter.
VICKSBURG
Record/rank: 40-3-1, No. 6
Coach: Paul Gephart, 10th season (296-94)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2016.
Players to watch: Brooklyn Ringler, jr. OF (.484, 75 R, 13 2B, 59 RBI); Peyton Smith, jr. 2B (.500, 58 R, 19 2B, 58 RBI); Maddison Diekman, jr. SS (.535, 81 R, 10 2B, 38 RBI, 28 SB); Delaney Monroe, jr. 3B (.474, 66 R, 12 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBI).
Outlook: The 2016 run started a collection of titles that have included three league, five District and now a second Regional championship over the last seven seasons. Pitcher Kennedy Davis is the only senior slated to start the Semifinal, and she entered the week 17-0 with a 2.58 ERA while splitting pitching duties with junior Audrie Dugan (18-2, 2.89). Ringler earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is joined in the lineup by additional .400 hitters sophomore Ella Luegge (.427, 61 R, 37 RBI, 27 SB) and freshman Kayla Chisholm (.420, 43 R, 43 RBI).
Division 3
LAINGSBURG
Record/rank: 36-6, No. 7
Coach: Jeff Cheadle, 18th season (406-217)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Class D champion 1978.
Players to watch: Ashley Bila, jr. SS (.518, 74 R, 10 2B, 25 RBI, 42 SB); Haley Konieczny, sr. OF (.400, 49 R, 38 RBI); Addyson Buchin, soph. P (.390, 14 2B, 46 RBI, 34-5 pitching, 1.36 ERA, 248 K/206 1/3 IP); Savanna Stirm, fr. 1B (.434, 36 R, 42 RBI).
Outlook: Laingsburg’s Regional title was its first since 1978, and the Wolfpack had been on the verge entering this spring with seven District titles over the last 10 seasons before winning a third-straight earlier this month. Cheadle is approaching 900 wins total after previously coaching nearly two decades at Lansing Everett, and he has only two seniors on the roster but six freshmen including four who start. Bella Latuszek is among them, hitting .393, with 43 runs, 11 doubles and 53 RBI, and freshman Harper Strouse (.346, 37 R, 35 RBI) and junior Ella Merrell (.337, 40 R) provide pop at the bottom of the order.
OTTAWA LAKE WHITEFORD
Record/rank: 36-4, honorable mention
Coach: Matt VanBrandt, fourth season (106-14)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 1987), four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Shaylin Alexander, jr. IF/C (.462, 49 R, 17 SB); Unity Nelson, jr. P/2B (.337, 32 RBI, 21-0 pitching, 0.43 ERA, 277 K/131 2/3 IP); Alyssa VanBrandt, sr. SS (.629, 60 R, 10 3B, 35 SB); Patrina Marsh, sr. OF (.394, 43 R, 10 2B, 31 RBI).
Outlook: Last season's Division 4 runner-up is back but in Division 3, returning all-state first teamers Nelson and Alyssa VanBrandt among six starters from last season's championship game hitting lineup. Juniors Kaydence Sheldon (.392, 38 RBI) and Karlei Conard (.337, 10 2B, 33 RBI) are two more, along with Alexander and Marsh, and Conard also entered the week 14-4 with a 2.44 ERA and 104 strikeouts over 77 1/3 innings pitched. Whiteford advanced this time with a Quarterfinal win over No. 2 Algonac and also defeated honorable mention Clinton and No. 8 Grass Lake on the way to East Lansing.
RAVENNA
Record/rank: 36-5, honorable mention
Coach: Dave Sherman, seventh season
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference Rivers
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Emma Gillard, sr. P/SS (.619, 83 R, 12 2B, 10 3B, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 51 SB, 15-2 pitching, 1.41 ERA, 99 K/84 1/3 IP); Addison Gillard, soph. P/1B (.491, 46 R, 15 2B, 48 RBI, 23 SB, 14-3 pitching, 1.25 ERA, 110 K/83 2/3 IP); Emma Herremans, soph 3B (.657, 63 R, 21 2B, 8 3B, 70 RBI, 28 SB); Kara Postema, sr. C/CF (.491, 64 R, 10 2B, 54 RBI, 31 SB).
Outlook: Ravenna is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since 2005 driven by a lineup that’s put up incredible numbers this spring – the Bulldogs’ 485 runs rank fourth all-time, their 102 doubles entering the week were tied for seventh, their 393 RBI ranked third and their 244 stolen bases were fourth in MHSAA history. Ravenna put up a combined 20 runs over its last two wins against No. 4 Buchanan and No. 6 Grandville Calvin Christian. Freshmen Emily Postema (.434, 58 R, 33 SB) and Riley Homoly (.352, 40 R, 43 RBI, 21 SB) and junior Kendra Denhof (.413, 39 R, 38 RBI) also are major contributors. Herremans made the all-state first team last season.
STANDISH-STERLNG
Record/rank: 36-7, No. 10
Coach: Rich Sullivan, ninth season (188-129-1)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Blue
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Lexi Mielke, sr. IF (.562, 70 R, 31 2B, 58 RBI, 24 SB); Keeley Peace, fr. IF (.434, 64 R, 12 2B, 49 SB); Macey Fegan, sr. OF (.454, 44 R, 19 2B, 60 RBI); Devri Jennings, sr. P (25-2 pitching, 1.49 ERA, 236 K/173 1/3 IP, 36 RBI)
Outlook: After reaching the Semifinals in 2019 for the first time, Standish-Sterling is making its third appearance in four seasons (not counting canceled 2020). The Panthers have navigated one of the toughest paths to MSU with playoff wins over top-ranked Evart, No. 5 Gladstone and honorable mentions Clare and Kingsley along the way. Fegan made the all-state first team last season, and Mielke earned honorable mention and entered the week ranked second on the record book single-season doubles list. They and Jennings are the only seniors; freshman Jaylynn Yenna (.365, 17 2B, 38 RBI) and sophomore Sami Kopasz (.394) are among other top contributors.
Division 4
JOHANNESBURG-LEWISTON
Record/rank: 30-3-1, honorable mention
Coach: Kim Marlatt, eighth season (130-51-1)
League finish: First in Ski Valley Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Gloria House, sr. CF (.426, 48 R, 22 SB); Jocelyn Tobias, sr. 3B (.469, 39 R, 32 RBI, 27 SB); Jayden Marlatt, jr. P (.663, 74 R, 18 2B, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 22 SB, 18-1 pitching, 1.40 ERA, 220 K/110 IP); Reagan Sides, jr. C (.516, 50 R, 21 2B, 47 RBI, 18 SB).
Outlook: Johannesburg-Lewiston will play its first Semifinal since 1981, continuing a run that’s included wins over honorable mention Indian River Inland Lakes and No. 5 Hillman. The Cardinals also are coming off a third-straight league title. Jayden Marlatt made the all-state first team last season and is one of four junior starters bolstering two seniors who also provide experience at the top of the lineup. Junior Cassie Tallman (.415, 36 R, 40 RBI, 25 SB) is another challenge for opponents at the plate and on the base paths, and sophomore Chloe Ferguson has thrown valuable innings in the circle as well with an 11-1 record and 2.16 ERA heading into this week.
MENDON
Record/rank: 34-5, No. 2
Co-coaches: Steve Butler & Mike Smith, sixth seasons (133-39)
League finish: First in Southwest 10 Conference
Championship history: Class D runner-up 1992.
Players to watch: Lauren Schabes, sr. P/LF (.487, 58 R, 40 RBI, 27 SB, 15-1 pitching, 1.12 ERA, 177 K/99 2/3 IP); Mattea Bingaman, fr. CF (.433, 29 R, 35 RBI, 14 SB); Jadyn Samson, fr. SS (.434, 58 R, 31 RBI, 46 SB); Kaidee Gonser, soph. C (.406, 34 R, 12 2B, 52 RBI).
Outlook: This is another underclassmen-dominated team having championship-caliber success, as Mendon has just two seniors and no juniors but 11 sophomores and freshmen. Schabes earned an all-state honorable mention last season as the team won its second of now three-straight District titles. This playoff run has included wins over No. 7 Three Oaks River Valley and honorable mention Fowler, and the Hornets made a statement early with wins over No. 4 Holton, No. 5 Hillman and honorable mention Inland Lakes at Holton’s Tournament on April 15. Rowan Allen (.419, 49 R, 24 SB) is another talented hitter and entered the week 12-3 with a 1.64 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 85 innings in the circle.
MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART
Record/rank: 33-9, honorable mention
Coach: Josh Wheaton, sixth season (115-61)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ellery Garver, soph. SS (.620, 49 R, 15 2B, 62 RBI); Kallie Smith, soph. 1B (.462, 47 R, 13 2B, 40 RBI); Savannah Jones, fr. P/3B (.352, 37 RBI, 15-4 pitching, 2.65 ERA, 106 K/103 IP); Mairin Wheaton, fr. P/3B (.498, 43 R, 12 3B, 32 RBI, 16-4 pitching, 3.26 ERA, 185 K/126 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Sacred Heart is making a second-straight Semifinal appearance but also enjoying an underclassmen-driven surge with only two seniors and two juniors, and a pair of freshman pitchers helping to set the pace. Making that even more impressive is the Irish haven’t given up a run over five postseason games, including Tuesday’s Quarterfinal win over Lake Leelanau St. Mary. Garver earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is the leading hitter for a lineup with four regulars over .400 – Eliza Pieratt joins Garver, Wheaton and Smith at .405 with 10 doubles and 29 RBI heading into this week.
UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING
Record/rank: 31-10, No. 1
Coach: Marc Reinhardt, first season (31-10)
League finish: First in Greater Thumb Conference West
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Gabriella Crumm, jr. C (.420, 45 R, 10 2B, 30 RBI); Olivia Jubar, sr. 1B (.486, 55 R, 10 2B, 40 RBI); Rylie Betson, jr. P/3B (.427, 50 R, 13 2B, 34 RBI); Jenna Gremel, jr. LF (.396, 43 R, 32 RBI).
Outlook: With a fourth-straight championship, USA would tie the Harper Woods Regina teams of 2004-07 for second on the consecutive titles list. Seven starters are back from last season’s championship game, with Jubar and Crumm all-state first teamers last year and Gremel earning an honorable mention. USA has mostly cruised through the postseason with four wins by a combined score of 34-6, but saw its share of strong competition this spring with seven losses to teams showing in the final Division 1, 2 or 3 rankings. Sophomore Natalie DeGroat (.411, 32 R, 34 RBI), senior Hanna Wood (.400, 32 R, 32 RBI) and junior Ella Neumann (.380, 47 R, 10 2B) are among others putting up big numbers.
PHOTO Vicksburg’s Peyton Smith connects with a pitch during her team’s 6-3 District Semifinal win over Otsego. (Photo by Gary Shook.)