REETHS-PUFFER — The Rockets are running it back in style.
Reeths-Puffer softball claimed its second consecutive GMAA championship on Saturday, knocking off Ravenna 8-2 behind a monster day at the plate from Abbie Critchett and a strong team performance that capped off a big weekend for the program.
Fresh off her 100th career win earlier in the week, head coach Sarah Bayle saw her squad come out firing—and they never let up. Critchett blasted two home runs and finished the day 3-for-4 with four RBIs, launching long balls in both the second and fourth innings to power the Rocket offense.
“I definitely came into the game with some nerves,” Critchett admitted. “Ravenna’s a very good team, and they hadn’t lost yet this season. But I was just ready to hit the ball and get things going. Once we got rolling and everyone got hyped, it was such a good feeling to see everyone hitting and having fun.”
Reeths-Puffer got on the board early in the first thanks to a Madison Snyder RBI single. They poured it on from there, scoring three more in the second off Critchett’s first bomb—a shot to right field—and adding insurance runs in the third and fourth.
Critchett has been on fire lately—consistently delivering at the plate and leading the way offensively.
“She’s just making plays no matter what,” said Coach Bayle. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a home run, a line drive—she’s making it happen. She’s been incredibly consistent. Especially today, I think she had a hit in nearly every at-bat.”
Lainey McDaniel took care of business in the circle, going the distance while allowing just four hits and zero earned runs. She walked three and struck out one in the complete-game effort. The Rockets’ defense held strong behind her and supported a 12-hit outburst at the plate.
Olivia Ambler also had a big day, collecting three hits of her own. McDaniel and Snyder each added multiple hits, as Reeths-Puffer stayed aggressive at the plate from start to finish.
Ravenna was led by Emma Herremans, who notched two hits in four trips. The Bulldogs scratched across a pair of runs late, driven in by Addison Gillard and Sydney Morrissey, but couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
“I think it just shows what we’re capable of as a team,” Critchett said. “There’s a lot of talk about how good Ravenna is—and they are—but we’ve proven we can compete with anybody. We split with Grand Haven, who they beat, and now we just keep building from this.”
Coach Bayle echoed that sentiment.
“This was a great game for us. We were already talking as a staff about how valuable it is to go up against a strong team like Ravenna and see quicker pitching. It’s the kind of experience that prepares us for what’s ahead,” she said.
With the win, Reeths-Puffer solidifies its spot atop the GMAA softball scene once again, continuing a strong 2025 campaign with the postseason looming.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face Byron Center in a multi-game set next week before turning their focus to OK-Green powerhouse Jenison the following week.
“Jenison is looking really good right now,” Bayle said. “There are a lot of possibilities down the stretch, but we want to keep playing good teams. It’s not worth it if it’s not earned. That kind of competition makes the game more fun—and it makes us better.”
After the loss, Ravenna will be looking to take down the North Muskegon Norseman. They will take them on at North Muskegon in double-header action.
Reeths-Puffer Rockets Box Score Summary
- Batting:
- Abbie Critchett: 3 Hits, 4 RBIs, 2 HR
- Lainey McDaniel: 2 Hits, 1 RBI
- Madison Snyder: 2 Hits, 1 Triple
- Pitching:
- Lainey McDaniel (W): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 K, 3 BB
Ravenna Bulldogs Box Score Summary
- Batting:
- Emma Herremans: 2 Hits
- Addison Gillard: 1 Hit, 1 RBI
- Sydney Morrissey: 1 Hit, 1 RBI
- Pitching:
- Addison Gillard: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
- Natalie Rosel (L): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 5 K, 1 BB
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