KALAMAZOO — This one wasn’t just a win. It was redemption.
Ravenna softball is headed back to the Division 3 state semifinals after blanking Buchanan 10-0 Tuesday at Kalamazoo College — the very same team that ended the Bulldogs’ run in the quarterfinals one year ago.
“Doesn’t matter who you’re playing… scoring five runs right away… that’s huge,” said head coach Dave Sherman, whose team wasted no time seizing momentum. “One year ago… we didn’t have Emma and Addy was hobbled… to see them play like this and get to the semifinals… I feel great for them.”
The No. 4-ranked Bulldogs looked every bit the part, tallying their third straight postseason shutout and earning a trip to the state’s final four for the second time in three seasons.
Addison Gillard led the charge. She was locked in from the circle, giving up just two hits and a walk while striking out three. She also helped her own cause with two hits at the plate — one of them a no-doubt homer.
“It means a lot to be able to do this for my team,” said Gillard. “It was frustrating to deal with the injury last year… but this feels amazing.”
Natalie Rosel came on in relief and was dominant, striking out seven while allowing just two hits.
Reese Herremans roped a double and added another hit. Kendyl Luce also had a pair of base knocks. Riley Homoly added a double, while Emily Postema, Emma Herremans, Sydney Morrissey, and Taylor Nutt each chipped in a hit.
But this team is built on more than just the box score, this group is built on chemistry.
“We talk with each other… we joke around with each other… it’s more of a team culture,” said Reese Herremans.
“We have that spunk, that energy…more urgency to win,” said Emma Herremans.
Next up: a heavyweight showdown with top-ranked Clare at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Secchia Stadium on the campus of Michigan State University. A win there would send the Bulldogs to the Division 3 state title game.
Box Score: Ravenna 10, Buchanan 0 (6 innings)
Ravenna Batting
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie Rosel | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Reese Herremans | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Emily Postema | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Emma Herremans | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Addison Gillard | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Riley Homoly | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sydney Morrissey | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kendyl Luce | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Taylor Nutt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Team Totals | 28 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
Extra-Base Hits:
- 2B: Reese Herremans, Riley Homoly
- HR: Addison Gillard
- SF: Taylor Nutt
Other Notes:
- SB: Kendyl Luce
- HBP: Emily Postema
- CS: Emily Postema
- E: Emma Herremans
Ravenna Pitching
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | Pitches (Strikes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addison Gillard (W) | 4.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 51 (30) |
| Natalie Rosel | 2.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 62 (38) |
| Totals | 6.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
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