Oakridge’s softball team overcame injuries to key players to win 32 games. The Eagles captured an eighth straight conference championship, another district title, and the program’s first regional crown in 10 years.
It’s a season to celebrate and one that’s created lots of lasting memories.
Sometimes, however, you just have to tip your cap to the opponent. That’s what Oakridge did after an 18-1, four-inning loss to top-ranked and defending state champion Gaylord in a Division 2 state quarterfinal Tuesday at Ferris State University.
Oakridge closes its season with a 32-10 record. Meanwhile, Gaylord (36-4) advances to Thursday’s 3 p.m. state semifinal against Milan (27-8) at Michigan State University’s Secchia Stadium.
The Jones sisters — Jayden and Aubrey — and their teammates were too powerful, as the Blue Devils totaled eight extra-base hits in the shortened contest. The Joneses hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, while Taylor Moeggenberg also went deep in the first.
Jayden Jones, a senior who is taking her talents to Virginia Tech, hit for the cycle and scored four runs. Aubrey Jones, the 2024 Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year and an Oklahoma State commit, finished 3-for-4 and scored two runs. Both of them finished with four RBIs.
Photos courtesy of Dawn Jones
Gaylord racked up 19 hits in the game.
Aubrey Jones also picked up the pitching win, allowing one earned run on two hits with seven strikeouts and one walk in four innings.
Kelcey Osborne drove in Oakridge’s run with a triple, while Gracie Willea had the Eagles’ other hit. Kylie Willea took the pitching loss, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks in 1 2/3 innings.
Photos courtesy of Alisha Pieczynski
