Oakridge and Ravenna softball teams are the benchmarks in the West Michigan Conference and they both impressed in respective tournaments on a beautiful day Saturday (April 13, 2024).
Here is coverage from the respective teams’ tournaments Saturday:
Oakridge’s strong effort in Lakeshore Slam
Photos courtesy of Alisha Pieczynski
Oakridge put forth a very solid effort in the Lakeshore Slam, allowing only one run on the day and finishing with a 2-1. The lone loss came against Division 2 fourth-ranked Escanaba, 1-0 in eight innings, in the Eagles’ second game of the day.
Here’s a recap from the Oakridge Eagles Softball Facebook account:
Game 1 vs Spring Lake 19 – 0
Highlighted by five home runs by Gracie Willea, Madi Clark, Ahria Doornbos, Kaelinn Jozsa, and Kelcey Osborne.
Freshman Kelcey Osborne delivered a stellar performance in the circle, allowing just three hits.
Game 2 vs. #4 Division 2 ranked Escanaba 1 – 0 (8 Innings)
Highlighted be Kylee Willea on the mound, who gave up just one run in eight innings and matched the Esky pitcher in controling the Escanaba bats. It was an outstanding defensive effort by her teammates.
The Eagles could only muster one hit off of the Michigan-bound pitcher from Escanaba.
Game 3 vs Zeeland East 12 – 0 (5 innings)
Kelcey Osborne would return to the mound and deliver again, holding the Chix to two hits over five innings and striking out eight.
The Oakridge record stands at 5-1 with games against Whitehall and Byron Center next week.
Qiuotable:
“Our girls would allow just one run over three games on the day and that is what happens when you pitch and catch well, play good defense, and support each other.” — Coach Joe Coletta
“The support for our team today did not go unnoticed! The place was packed and we love you and appreciate you loving our players!” — Coletta
Ravenna flawless in Kubasiak Neighborhood tourney
Photos by Scott DeCamp | CatchMark
Ravenna, ranked No. 8 in Division 3, remained unbeaten on the season at 7-0 in winning the Kubasiak Neighborhood Tournament title on the strength of a flawless day that saw the Bulldogs allow no runs and commit no errors. In the final, Ravenna junior outdueled Cedar Springs ace Kendall Fisk, who had struck out 19, 14, and 11 (the latter in a 2-0 loss to Division 1 Jenison) in her previous three outings. The Bulldogs struck out just twice against Fisk.
Here’s a recap of the day submitted by Ravenna coach Dave Sherman to CatchMark:
Ravenna bracket
Ravenna defeated Grant 15-0 in three innings in the opening game. Leading hitters for Ravenna were: Raelyn Olsen 2-2; Riley Homoly 2-2; Kendra Denhof 1-1 with a double; Sydney Morrissey 1-3; Emily Postema 1-2.
Riley Homoly picked up the win for the Bulldogs. She pitched a perfect three-inning game and struck out five.
In the second game, Grant defeated Howard City Tri County, 22-6.
In the third game, Ravenna won by forfeit over Tri County.
Final at Kent City
Ravenna defeated Cedar Springs in the championship game of the Kubasiak Neighborhood Tournament by a score of 5-0. Leading hitters for Ravenna were: Reese Herremans 3-4 with a double; Emma Herremans 3-4; Riley Homoly 3-4; Natalie Rosel 2-3; Emily Postema 2-4; Sydney Morrissey 1-3; Kendra Denhof 1-3.
Addison Gillard picked up the win for the Bulldogs. She gave up three hits, one walk, and struck out 12.
Quotable
“I was doing not good for hitting, so I really focused on what I had to do (in the pitcher’s circle) because that’s what I could do for the team at that point and I was struggling at (the plate) so I knew I had to step it up a little for pitching.” — Ravenna junior Addison Gillard
“Adjustments all day long. This group, they just know — they just make adjustments. Very proud that they could come over here (to Kent City after a long break following pool play at Ravenna) and they didn’t make excuses. They wanted to hit (during the down time). They wanted to adjust to a different speed of pitcher. It was good.” — Ravenna coach Dave Sherman
