Photos by Scott DeCamp | CatchMark
FREMONT — Kylie Willea felt a lot better pitching in the sun Monday than she trying to find the grip in the rain Saturday.
Or course, Maddie Clark’s big blast helped changed everybody’s mood in the Oakridge dugout and cheering sections.
Clark’s opposite-field grand slam in the third inning — her fourth of the season and 12th round-tripper of the 2024 campaign — provided pitcher Willea and the Eagles some breathing room. Oakridge went on to defeat Allendale, 14-8, in a Division 2 regional softball final that resumed in the second inning Monday after rain halted action Saturday.
It’s Oakridge’s first regional title since 2014 and the second in head coach Joe Coletta’s 15 seasons at the helm.
Oakridge (32-9) advances the state quarterfinals at 4 p.m. today (June 11) at Ferris State University, where the Eagles collide with top-ranked and defending state champion Gaylord (35-4).
Gaylord dimed fifth-ranked Escanaba, 12-2 in five innings, in a regional final Sunday at Cadillac. The Blue Devils are powered by the Jones sisters, Jayden and Aubrey, whom after their time at Gaylord are taking their talents to Virginia Tech and Oklahoma State, respectively. Aubrey Jones is the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year for 2024.
Oakridge took care of business Monday after building a 9-4 lead over Allendale in the first inning Saturday before rain forced the postponement of the game.
Clark drove in five runs just like she did in Saturday’s 13-4 regional semifinal win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
Sister Gracie Clark was 2-for-4 with a double for the Eagles, while Kelcey Osborne also doubled.
Willea took care of the rest from the pitcher’s circle. The right-hander allowed four earned runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts and three walks in a complete-game effort.
