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About the Michigan Bolts

Mission statement.

The Bolts Organization is committed to the development of fast pitch softball players at all age levels stressing strong fundamentals and advanced techniques to ensure each player’s future success.  Our focus is to provide our players with a positive and enjoyable experience with a concentration on team success and individual growth.

Board Members

• President & Founder:  Chris Kokaly
• Vice President(s):  Jen Hammad  &  Mary Wagner

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Lake Effect Softball

A positive force of team chemistry, family and fun., our mission.

The positive force comes from the energy someone embodies, on and off the field.  This energy shines from head to toe: mentally, physically and morally.  Being part of Lake Effect Athletics means you are part of something bigger than yourself - a community, a family and a team.  From coaches and players, to family and fans, Lake Effect Athletics will not waiver from being a positive force of sportsmanship and fellowship towards opponents, coaches, officials and our own team.

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Michigan Heat Fastpitch

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The HEAT Purpose is to teach the fundamentals of the game of softball, while making it FUN for the girls,  helping them to GROW, develop their KNOWLEDGE of the game and improve their SKILLS in a supportive and ENCOURAGING environment. 

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Coach Sturgis and all of the HEAT Coaches have a genuine passion for teaching the fundamentals of the game of softball, making it FUN for the girls. 

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Michigan Impact

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Building a tradition, making an impact!

In 2019, Coach Tiffany Isham created Michigan Impact to provide quality, non-parent coaching in the greater Lansing area. The goal of this program is to build strong, independent young ladies who respect the game, their team, and their opponents while instilling grace and humility through competitive play.

Michigan Impact strives to:

• Prepare players for collegiate play through development and promotion of skill advancement of all players for every facet of the game.
• Leave a lasting impact on anyone we may come into contact through respecting the integrity of the game, the team, officials, and any opponents.
• Promote healthy competition and encourage players to aspire to a higher level of play without tearing down other people to get there.
• Emphasize success through teamwork, leadership, mental and physical skill development, and personal growth.

Authenticity

Impact is...

A non-profit organization aimed to create an impactful ripple effect in the world through building fierce competitors with a growth mindset who become empowered future leaders.

Achieved by...

• Planting the seed of greatness in each participant to help them believe they have the ability to achieve greatness.
• Total personal development, not just the athlete.
• Preparing athletes for collegiate play and impactful living.
• Mental & physical skill sharpening to strengthen critical thinking and life long growth. 

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18U Rebels Roster Openings

The Rebels extend a warm welcome to our newly established 17U/18U combined baseball team. We are currently in search of 2-3 additional players to complement our current roster. To express your interest, please click on the tryout form link below or send an email to [email protected] .

10U Rebels Softball Team Seeks to Recruit One Player

The 10U Rebels Softball team is currently on the lookout for an additional player to join their ranks. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, the team is eager to welcome a new member who shares their enthusiasm and dedication. This opportunity not only offers a chance to be part of a close-knit team but also provides an environment for growth and development in the sport. 

Please Contact Rich Peters at 269-532-8529 , to schedule a private tryout.

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Order Deadline: Please note that the deadline for placing Spirit Wear orders is December 4th, 2023. No orders will be accepted after the closing date. Shipping Information: We have recently transitioned to a new supplier who charges shipping on orders. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend placing your orders promptly. The goal is for all orders to ship and arrive before Christmas. Stock Availability: In the rare event that an item is out of stock, our supplier will make every effort to reach out to you. You will be given the option to either choose an alternative item or make adjustments to your order. LINK:  Rebels Softball Spirit Wear Store

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West Michigan Warriors

Travel baseball teams.

West Michigan Warriors is a competitive travel baseball organization dedicated to raising strong men of God, and serving those in need. We are located in Grand Rapids, MI and our indoor training facility is located on 44th Street. We teach fundamental, competitive baseball  in a family friendly environment.

Warriors travel teams will compete in many regular season games, and several highly competitive tournaments. Total games will be approximately 30-70 games in a season, depending on age.

Warriors players participate in service based activities in addition to regular practices and games. We are fully aware and sensitive to the time commitments involved in travel baseball. We make every effort to balance this out with the service based activities that the team participates in. We feel that these activities benefit the players, the team, the parents of the players, and of course the people we are serving.

When your child joins West Michigan Warriors, you can be sure they will learn the game in a safe environment- free of cursing, tobacco, alcohol, etc. They will also learn valuable lessons that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

How a man plays the game shows something of his character,

how he loses shows it all.

Never let the fear of striking out

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To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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Unlocking the Top Michigan Travel Softball Rankings: A Story of Success [2021 Stats and Tips]

What is Michigan Travel Softball Rankings?

Michigan travel softball rankings is a detailed list of the top-performing teams in the state. These rankings are compiled based on various factors such as win-loss records and overall team performance. Coaches, players, parents and fans use these rankings to help determine which teams might be toughest to compete against, especially when preparing for playoffs or other major games.

How To Use Michigan Travel Softball Rankings To Boost Your Team’s Performance

As a softball coach, you know that measuring your team’s performance is crucial to improving it. One way to do this is by using Michigan travel softball rankings. These rankings provide an objective evaluation of teams’ strengths and weaknesses, giving coaches valuable insights into how they can improve their own players’ performances.

Here are some ways in which you can use these rankings to boost your team ‘s performance:

1. Identify areas for improvement

Michigan travel softball rankings take into account various factors such as win-loss record, strength of schedule, runs scored per game, and runs allowed per game. By analyzing these metrics carefully, you can identify the areas where your team needs most improvement – whether it be hitting, pitching or defense.

For example, if your team consistently scores fewer runs than opponents with similar records in the same ranking category; then perhaps strengthening batting line up should be a priority.

2. Scout out the competition

Rankings also help identify top competitors in any given division of play based on previous results analyzed by experts from varying stakeholders . Knowing who nipping at your heels will give add fuelfor motivation and necessary perspective in making an efficient athletic decision moving forward against them.

Knowing possible styles & formations that lots weeks ahead could quickly bring positive outcomes through extensive preparation during training sessions.

3. Set achievable goals

Whether winning tournaments or bettering personal scores every player has a direction they want to make regarding individual improvements.This combined keeps energy levels high ,but when not realistically targeted tasks get neglected .

Michigan Travel Softball Rankings allow room for specific objectives especially those where anyone feels stuck trying working around tough matches played throughout year unlike other leagues trailing behind current affairs by seasons end. Coaches find inspiration here too setting some ideal standards adding value amongst themselves .

Knowing what higher ranked teams have achieved likewise serves increasing capabilities without overzealously longing for unreasonable milestones prior athletically unattainable achievements assigned negative side-effects: lowering morale/values mostly frequenting decline .

4. Encourage focus and determination

Once goals have been set and areas of growth identified, rankings provides a ladder to climb incrementally but all it takes is purposeful decisions rooted in grit.

Knowing the competition can serve as additional motivation when training . Tracking advanced strategies implemented by top teams ,then implementing their strengths with added modifications can continually refuel distractions for you r squad while enabling others to roll up their concerned sleeves about progress made so far within raking .

The mental aspect of softball carries significant weight in winning games/showcasing best performances amidst prevalent physical conditionals, constantly reminding players that continued dedication towards goals spreads positivity .

Michigan Travel Softball Rankings are valuable tools offering beneficial insights worth utilizing throughout season clarifying probable next moves after loss, win or draw; every coach must weigh possible outcomes without considering noise from naysayers making proper adjustments accordingly & adapting but not straying too much from emotionally charged perspectives.Until then hard work beats talent any day when early preparations meets opportunity!

Top 5 Facts You Need To Know About Michigan Travel Softball Rankings

When it comes to playing softball in Michigan, players and parents alike often rely on the state’s travel softball rankings to determine which teams are the best. These rankings are crucial for determining tournament seedings, recruiting new players, and assessing your team’s overall performance. But what do you need to know about these rankings?

Here are the top five facts you need to know about Michigan travel softball rankings:

1) Rankings Matter – Ranking is more than just numbers or statistics; it embodies a legacy of accomplished athletes and their hard-fought victories on the field. Each year, over one hundred teams compete for high stakes spots that can only be achieved with continuous efforts across all categories of play such as pitching, batting, base running and defense..

2) Team Performance: The number one factor behind any ranking is team performance. A strong winning record builds confidence among coaches’ staff members who have researched extensively upon strengths & weaknesses of each selecting team driven by competitive instincts.

3) Competitive Environment – Michigan ranks among some of the strongest states in terms of Travel Softball competition because participating gets you into frequent contestation against nationally recognized opponents like Illinois, Ohio Pennsylvania amongst others making it significant opportunity paying out well at collegiate levels down road.

4) Tournament Play – Tournaments happen several times throughout the summer months which makes seeding by far most imperative criteria utilized while arriving at conclusions related with a squad’s rank position constitutionally awarded through means adopted within automatic calculations .

5) Inclusion creates Opportunities- With meticulous precision used ensuring comprehensive evaluation data its important emphasis should always remain towards quality outcomes without compromising inclusivity considering people/players coming from different background bringing unique contributions helping enriching thriving environment positively impacting respective communities apart from fulfilling dreams present now future ahead showcasing diversity harmony fostering camaraderie whether winning or losing competitions .

In conclusion Travel Softball Rankings in Michigan deserve serious consideration when deciding where and with whom you will play ball this season highlighting key takeaways emphasizing importance of team performance tournament play competitive environment inclusion create opportunities in case anyone is giving it a thought.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan Travel Softball Rankings

As the Michigan softball season heats up, one topic on many parents’ minds is the statewide rankings for travel teams. These rankings can help determine which tournaments and showcases teams are invited to participate in or even impact college recruiters’ interest in players. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of questions surrounding them.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Michigan travel softball rankings:

1) Who creates these rankings?

There isn’t one governing body that produces the official state-wide rankings. Instead, several organizations such as USSSA Fastpitch Softball, PGF Softball, and Triple Crown Sports have their own ranking systems. Additionally, local news outlets or websites may also release their own version of the top teams in each age group based on tournament results.

2) How does a team get ranked ?

Teams earn points based on their performance in sanctioned tournaments throughout the season . The more competitive and larger-scale events yield more points – so winning an established national event gets you much more recognition than succeeding at smaller-scale regional championships.

3) What factors are considered when calculating rank?

Again this will depend from organization-to-organization; however factors such as win-loss record overall & against ranked opponents/comparable competition level, number of games played/won/lost over time period (season+/last year), strength of schedule/tournament selection/quality (getting victories over quality opposition) overall talent level/college commitmentsamong roster (some organizations take into account # signed to NCAA division I programs which gives significant influence/strengths).

4) Will being ranked by one organization guarantee invitations to high profile events/showcases?

Rankings certainly carry weight with both national tournament directors and/or organizers.This provides leverage/grid towards securing higher-profile tournaments/events amidst competitors – but sometimes success at lesser-known weekends garners attention as well dependent upon depth/fundamentals/balance.

5) Can a team be penalized/discounted for skipping certain instances of play?

Yes, failing to participate in enough sanctioned/established tournaments that include comparably-matched opponents throughout out the state can cause rankings to suffer.

6) Why are there such discrepancies between different organizations’ rankings?

Ranking means identification and acceptance point unto respective organizations – some will prioritize more on what players and coaches have accomplished over a longer period- while others indicate more importance towards winning high-profile,single events against quality national level opposition.Based upon season schedules/tournament choices played/favorable matchups – this also leads to differing conclusions from one organization’s evaluators versus another.

7) Do college recruiters use these rankings when scouting athletes?

While recruiting takes place far beyond youth softball travel ball competition,these outlets often provide an easy resource for identifying talent based on player results & statistics as well as video highlights.As you would guess,young people’s collegiate suitability is evaluated with many factors taken into account (academically,fundraiser activities,outside interest), so involvement in respected national programs throughout Michigan has become increasingly important amongst capable prospects continuing on at Division I schools.

In conclusion ranking systems offer insight into which teams /players have been successful but conveying that narrative requires additional information beyond simple standings.Knowing which organizations initiate effective ratings polls,preferred tournament options,and overall strengths and weaknesses can ultimately aid decision-making leading up to championship competition .

Unraveling the Secrets Behind Michigan’s Elite Travel Softball Teams

It’s no secret that Michigan is home to some of the best travel softball teams in the country. From Kalamazoo to Dearborn, these elite squads consistently dominate at local and national tournaments alike, leaving their opponents in awe of their skills and tenacity on the field.

So what exactly makes Michigan such a hotbed for travel softball talent? Let’s take a closer look at some of the secrets behind these top-tier teams.

First and foremost, it all starts with coaching. Many of Michigan’s elite travel softball coaches are former college players themselves who have gone on to earn impressive accolades both as coaches and mentors. They bring an unparalleled dedication to teaching young athletes not just the fundamentals of the game but also invaluable life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and self-discipline.

But they don’t just stop at developing individual players; Michigan’s finest travel softball teams are also known for their cohesive team dynamics. These skilled athletes know how to work together seamlessly on defense or offense, which translates into consistent victories year after year.

Another factor that sets leagues like NSA (National Softball Association) apart from others across America is commitment towards physical fitness. The state takes physical development extremely seriously – from Agility drills to strength training workouts ,these girls play around 150 games every single season so obviously stamina plays big role here . Boosting up performance through identifying weak spots physiologically is definitely one underlying reason playing against MI based teams can be really tough challenge mentally ..

And let us talk about competitiveness – instilled way back since high school level ,Michigan’s sheer passion for sports injects heat during matches – fans dress in bold attire representing cheer squads rooting relentlessly behind them igniting drive among players creating frenzy out there- It certainly gives them more visibility compared to other States where this type community reception isn’t very common amongst non-major league sport .. This elevates pressure immensely discouraging faint-hearted opposition…

Lastly we should address location as well, without its geographical advantages it may not have been the stronghold of girls softball. Its geography is well-suited for travel team tournaments given short distances between cities meaning less time traveling and more practicing & resting .. Coupled with vast local infrastructure supporting baseball fields, sports complexes to training centres – this has geared athletes from an early age on how to focus solely on game strategies rather than survival logistics.

In conclusion , Michigan’s elite travel softball teams are a force to be reckoned with due to their exceptional coaching, teamwork skills,stamina development programs plus competitive spirit instilled since young age as well multi-faceted appeal promoted by communities in large extent.. It all culminates into what many experts consider toughest circuits around USA , one requiring combination talent,determination & resilience that few can match !

The Importance of Keeping Up with the Latest Michigan Travel Softball Rankings

As a softball player or coach, it is essential to keep up with the latest Michigan travel softball rankings. There are numerous reasons why this information is crucial in your journey towards becoming a better player or team .

Firstly, staying updated on the latest rankings will give you an idea of where you stand among other teams in the state. This knowledge allows you to set realistic goals for yourself and your team while also acknowledging areas that need improvement.

Knowing where competitors stand can help you make informed decisions when planning games, scheduling practices, developing strategies, and selecting players who best fit positions for specific events.

Moreover, following the rankings provides insights into how different aspects like performances impact future standings. If your team works hard and achieves excellent records against top-ranked rivals in leagues, tournaments, championships or any competitive event regularly attended by Travel Softball community members; it may lead to increased recognition among recruiting officials looking for upcoming talent as well as video evaluators scouting prospects for college showcases programs across US and Canada.

In addition to personal benefits gained from keeping tabs on these league tables such as merits earned points (MEP) which can lead one of two things: either earning a ranking spot directly without having qualified through regular means due exceptional performance during tourneys/championships/leagues season – Or more commonly Gaining a wild card entry placement Accessible position outside designated qualifying spots reserved only based previous seasonal finishes alone

If nothing else motivates athletes enough about importance devoted following Michigan Travel Softball Rankings updating them to become familiarized widely accepted customs have been developed throughout years should certainly Push everyone curious minds learn their practice one way.. at all times- To Stay ahead!

To sum up effectively here some main takeaways:

-Staying current regarding being knowledgeable soft ball rankings builds self-confidence -Being able communicate well thought out plans with teammates/coaches respect opponents strengthens overall gameplay. -Putting much effort game play using established conventions has multiple formats(tournaments/championships/camps/showcases). -Following latest rankings not only can lead to recognition among college coaches but using the camps and showcases when one has earned their spot at these places often leads them future spots on top-performing teams.

In conclusion, staying up-to-date with Michigan travel softball is crucial for individual and team growth. It helps you better navigate tournaments, championships, camps, showcase schedules while providing insights into competitors’ specialties as well as your own developing skill set – always pushing ahead towards success on diamond!

Comparing and Contrasting Different Michigan Travel Softball Ranking Systems

When it comes to ranking softball teams, Michigan has no shortage of options. From online power rankings to more formal polls conducted by coaches associations and news outlets, there are a multitude of ways to compare and contrast the best travel softball programs in the Great Lakes State. But all these different systems have their own quirks, biases, and limitations – so how do they stack up against each other?

Let’s start with some of the most widely used ranking systems for Michigan travel softball teams:

– The MHSAA Softball Coaches Association Top 25: This poll is voted on by a panel of high school coaches across the state, who rank the top 25 teams regardless of division or conference affiliation. It’s updated weekly during the regular season, and then one final poll is released after the state championships. While this system does provide some valuable insight into which high school squads are dominant in Michigan, it doesn’t factor in any non-MHSAA affiliated club or travel teams .

– PGF Premier Power Rankings (MI Region): As part of its larger national rankings powered by FloSoftball, premier girls fastpitch ranks individual states based on performance at qualifying tournaments for Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals. Their algorithm includes points awarded for winning games against other ranked opponents as well as total runs scored and allowed throughout the tournament season.

– Triple Crown Sports Club Softball National Rankings (Michigan Teams Only): TCS updates its statewide club team rankings every couple weeks during peak offseason months using an algorithm that takes into account wins/losses/ties along with strength-of-opponent numbers.

Each one of these playoff committee-rankings delivers value when combing through data; however looking closely at each organization’s formula might help paint a better picture about what value their lists really bring.

So how do we evaluate which system is “better” than others? It ultimately depends on your needs – whether you’re just curious about who’s considered among Michigan’s elite teams, scouting for recruit potential or actually working within the travel softball community.

For example, a high school coach who wants to know how their team stacks up against other MHSAA programs would likely put more stock in the Softball Coaches Association Top 25 than PGF Premier Power Rankings – which don’t include MHSAA high schools at all. If you’re looking solely for club-level rankings (ignoring factors like overall runs scored and allowance), then TCS might be your go-to instead.

At its core, every ranking system is subjective by nature; there are simply too many variables to account for when trying to order dozens of individual teams statewide that change nearly week-to-week with injury/missed tournaments due to Covid-19 etc., and comparing different systems can help highlight as well as downplay biases present in them. For instance both Triple Crown Sports Club National Rankings & TGCA Softball Coaches Assocation have human voters ultimately determining where each team lands– leaving politics susceptible to affecting results – whereas PGF’s algorithm focuses on overall performance win-loss records not relied upon personal opinions/comparisons.

While none of these Michigan travel softball ranking systems are perfect by default, they do provide valuable insight about successful teams under consideration throughout a season/much-needed perspective from various contributors in the sport – so if you want an idea of which squads are dominating state play just take some time delving through multiple sources this spring season!

Table with useful data:

Information from an expert.

As a seasoned coach and scout of Michigan travel softball programs, I can attest that rankings in this sport are a complex mix of factors. The quality and enthusiasm of coaching, play style and teamwork among players, various physical attributes such as speed and agility all play into accurate ranking assessment. However, it is important to remember that rankings only reflect current standings amongst teams within a particular classification at any given moment in the season; rankings do not guarantee future results nor should they dictate which team(s) young athletes should prioritize joining alongside their personal development goals.

Historical fact:

Michigan’s travel softball rankings have been a crucial part of the state’s sports culture since their inception in the 1980s, with hundreds of teams and thousands of athletes vying for recognition on these highly competitive lists each year.

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Check out the first Kalamazoo-area softball power rankings of 2024

K ALAMAZOO, MI – As April winds down, it only means warmer days and nicer weather ahead for Michigan’s high school softball teams to hit their stride and get on a roll.

And in Southwest Michigan, several teams are already heating up.

A pair of area teams find themselves in the latest poll from the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association, as Vicksburg and Mendon – both state finalists last year – boast spots inside their respective divisions’ top five’s.

Yet, there’s several other teams that have enjoyed extended winning streaks and have made some significant noise over the last few weeks.

And so, without further ado, let’s take a look at five area teams that are on the rise, along with a top 10 list of teams in the first Kalamazoo-area softball power rankings of 2024.

5 on the rise

Last year’s Division 2 state runner-up, No. 2-ranked Vicksburg returns nearly their entire roster from a season ago –– and already, they’ve proven they’re on a mission in 2024. The Bulldogs have won 13 of their first 15 games, including their last five in a row, backed by innate ability to pile up runs featuring one of the most potent lineups in all of Division 2.

Vicksburg, who broke the MHSAA record for RBI’s last season, along with several other top 10 record book placements, returns a slew of all-state players led by all-state shortstop and Central Michigan commit Maddison Diekman, along with fellow all-staters Delaney Monroe, Peyton Smith and Brooklyn Ringler. All of those seniors have flexed a batting average of .468 or better so far this season, as Ringler and sophomore catcher Kayla Chisholm lead the team with four homers.

Vicksburg’s only losses came against Division 1 No. 3-ranked Jenison, but otherwise, they’ve handled their business and are fresh off a sweep of Paw Paw on Tuesday. Monroe has stepped up as a viable No. 2 pitcher, as she holds a 2.074 ERA with 17 strikeouts to just five walks over 27 innings pitched, while Audrie Dugan has held down the bulk of the innings and racked up a team-leading 22 strikeouts.

Now into the heart of the Wolverine Conference schedule, Vicksburg will play Three Rivers on Friday before traveling to Niles and hosting Sturgis next week.

Three Rivers

Fresh off a district championship season and a regional finals appearance in 2023, Three Rivers has enjoyed an excellent start to their 2024 campaign – which features 10 wins in their first 13 games. The Wildcats swept Coldwater last week, while also sweeping Mattawan earlier in the season with victories over Allen Park, Niles and Edwardsburg sprinkled into the mix.

Hillsdale commit and senior Ava Forman and junior Jennaya Decker have emerged as the Wildcats’ standouts, as Forman leads the team with 26 hits including eight doubles, while Decker boasts a team-leading seven home runs in 14 games played. London Hoffmaster has also shined at the dish with four homers and a .450 batting average, while Forman has swung a hot bat as of late –– she’s belted four homers in her last four games including a two-homer game against Coldwater.

But it’s been the Wildcats’ pitching that’s truly shined. Decker has been Three Rivers’ workhorse, logging 26 innings with a 3-0 record, a sparkling 1.885 ERA and 24 strikeouts to just three walks, while Forman has yet to allow a run in two games pitched.

Their immediate schedule will be one to keep an eye on, as they travel to No. 2 Vicksburg on Friday before playing Portage Northern on Monday.

Portage Central

Winners of four consecutive games, and 10 wins in their last 11 games, the Mustangs have hit their stride thanks to a standout pitching staff. Portage Central has allowed just six runs in their last four games –– and that’s backed by the work of aces Macy Searles and Tatum Helsom.

Searles was absolutely sensational her last time out, tossing a shutout while amassing 15 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings and allowing no walks and just four hits to help the Mustangs beat Kalamazoo Central. The Ursuline commit holds a 3.609 ERA with a team-leading 47 strikeouts over 42 innings pitched, while Helsom enjoyed one of her best outings of the season against K-Central her last time out, tossing five innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts to just one walk.

Helsom also leads the Mustangs in hitting with a .477 batting average and 21 hits, while Rylee Stephenson, Brooklyn Bowen and Searles have all flexed batting averages north of .400. Stephenson enjoyed a three-hit day in an 11-1 win over the Maroon Giants on Thursday, including two doubles and three RBI, while Helsom also added three hits.

Portage Central will play Otsego on Monday before traveling to Loy Norrix on Thursday.

Last year’s Division 4 state runner-up, No. 5-ranked Mendon is perhaps the area’s hottest team with an area-leading 16 wins in their first 17 games. The Hornets’ lone loss came against Division 2 state-ranked Coopersville last weekend, as they’ve already pitched seven shutouts this season and scored an eye-popping 213 runs.

After losing all-state pitcher Lauren Schabes to graduation, Mendon has reloaded with all-state sophomore Rowan Allen becoming the team’s clear ace, while Ally Butler has blossomed into a stellar No. 2. The tandem has flexed ERA’s 1.462 or below, as Allen has already amassed 81 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched, while Butler holds a 6-0 record with a 1.167 ERA. Together, Allen and Butler have combined for eight shutout appearances, a scary sign for area competition.

At the plate, Allen leads the team with three home runs – all three of them hit in her last four games – while Jadyn Samson has a team-leading 32 hits. Collectively, Mendon has five players with 20-plus hits through 17 games.

The Hornets will play Eau Claire, Bloomingdale and Quincy in a Saturday tournament.

South Haven

There’s offense, and then there’s what South Haven has done over the last few weeks. Winners of their last six games, the Rams have put up at least 15 runs in five of their last six, including at least 19 in their last four led by homers from Myraql McGee, Molly Verseput and Grace Strebeck during that stretch. South Haven has swept Allegan and Schoolcraft this week, while notching victories over Niles Brandywine, River Valley, Otsego and Bridgman in the month of April.

The Rams’ Kamryn Holland has enjoyed a stellar start this season, as she’s not only batting .609 with a staggering 1.678 on-base plus slugging percentage, but she’s also hit a pair of homers with 25 RBI and 28 total hits in 15 games played.

South Haven’s schedule gets challenging over the weekend –– a matchup with No. 5-ranked Stevensville Lakeshore awaits.

On the bubble: Kalamazoo Christian (8-5), Centreville (8-7), Constantine (8-5), Marcellus (8-3), Martin (5-1), Paw Paw (9-6), Plainwell (6-5)

10. Kalamazoo Central (9-9)

This week: Lost doubleheader to Otsego (11-2, 10-9), lost doubleheader to Portage Central (0-2, 1-11), Tuesday at Mattawan

9. Gull Lake (10-8)

This week: Lost doubleheader to Portage Central (1-8, 4-18), lost doubleheader to Battle Creek Lakeview (1-11, 1-10), Friday at Zeeland East

8. Bangor (12-2)

This week: Swept Bloomingdale (16-1, 16-1), swept White Pigeon (11-1, 15-3)

7. Decatur (9-4)

This week: Swept Comstock (16-0, 21-0), Monday vs. Bangor

6. South Haven (11-4)

This week: Swept Allegan (22-0, 19-1), Swept Schoolcraft (21-4, 19-2) Saturday vs. Stevensville Lakeshore, Crown Point

5. Otsego (11-4)

This week: Swept Kalamazoo Central (11-2, 10-9), swept Niles (13-4, 16-1), Friday at Edwardsburg, Saturday at Plainwell

4. Three Rivers (10-3)

This week: Split with Edwardsburg (5-2, 4-7), Friday at Vicksburg

3. Portage Central (10-3)

This week: Swept Gull Lake (8-1, 18-4), swept Kalamazoo Central (2-0, 11-1), Monday vs. Otsego

2. Mendon (15-1)

This week: Defeated Burr Oak (11-1), defeated Centreville (12-0), defeated Climax-Scotts (11-1), Saturday vs. Eau Claire, Bloomingdale, Quincy

1. Vicksburg (13-2)

This week: Swept Paw Paw (6-0, 11-1), Friday vs. Three Rivers

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

'We have each other’s back.' Buchanan softball circles date of Michigan state championship

BUCHANAN, Mich. — Hannah Herman knows exactly when the softball state championship game is this season.

“We speak upon June 15th as the day,” she said.

The rest of her Buchanan softball teammates know the date as well as the Bucks try and win a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 championship this year. The seven seniors on the Buchanan roster have been painfully close before, losing in the state finals as freshmen in 2021 and reaching the state quarterfinals a season ago .

2021 season: Gritty, unranked Buchanan upended after remarkable run to state title game

2023 season: Buchanan softball places three on Division 3 All-State team

“I rewatch the state championship game every year before the season,” senior Hailee Kara said. “It does sting, but we know this year that we can really make a run.”

While Buchanan has the long-term goal of a title, they’re also trying to stay focused on what’s in front of them each day. That message is echoed by coach Rachel Carlson, who’s in her seventh season leading the varsity team and 20th overall within the program.

“We have high expectations, let’s call it that,” Carlson said. “But we have decided, as a team, that we want to take one game at a time. … Collectively, we think if we look too far ahead, we’ll get stagnant. So, we want to just focus day-to-day on our daily goals — pitchers have goals, hitters have goals, and we want to stay focused day-to-day.”

The Bucks have used the “one game at a time” mentality to start the season 5-0. Its doubleheader sweep over Edwardsburg Wednesday illustrated how deep and talented Buchanan’s lineup can be.

In both games, sophomore Aspen Berry lead off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run. Game one saw the bottom of the lineup produce seven of the team’s 10 hits, with two each coming from junior Cameron Carlson and seniors Keegan May and Faith Bartley. The latter of the three drove in four runs, including a three-run homer that put Buchanan ahead, 7-0, after one inning.

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Meanwhile, Kara — a Western Michigan commit — worked through five mostly stress-free innings in the pitcher’s circle, surrendering just one hit in the 10-0 game one victory.

Game two would see the top of the lineup standout for Buchanan, as 12 of the 13 hits came from the first five batters. Senior Camille Lozmack went 4-for-4 at the plate, while Kara and Berry each had two RBIs as the Bucks won, 8-2.

With a lineup featuring two Division-I college commits in Kara and Michigan State-bound Herman, the Bucks are one of the most difficult teams to face in the area.

“(Kara and Herman) know that even if they don’t have their best game, our lineup’s deep enough to where it takes that pressure off,” Carlson said. “They all pick each other up.”

While the offense can produce at a high rate, Herman points to a few other reasons as to why the Bucks have been successful so far in the early season.

“Our team strength is not only our chemistry, but our defense,” Herman said. “Hitting comes and goes, especially when you see different pitching every day. I think our defense is always strong no matter what. We’re always talking on the field; we always have each other’s back.”

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Buchanan began the season ranked No. 7 in Division 3 in the softball coaches association poll. Being No. 1 by mid-June is the ultimate goal, though, and Carlson believes they can be the last one standing in D3 when it’s all said and done.

“This group of kids, they’re special,” Carlson said. “They’re upbeat. They’re welcoming. They’re tremendous human beings, and every day they’re together here is a positive day.”

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Plenty of state-ranked squads in latest Kalamazoo-area softball power rankings

• Updated: May. 02, 2024, 2:55 p.m. |
• Published: May. 02, 2024, 2:47 p.m.

Mendon’s Abby Butler (7) attempts to slide safely into second base during the Division 4 championship softball game on Saturday, June 17, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

• Matthew Ehler | [email protected]

KALAMAZOO, MI – As we enter the month of May, softball in Southwest Michigan is on the come up.

A plethora of Kalamazoo-area softball squads find themselves humming toward the postseason, some enjoying extended winning streaks, while others have emerged in the latest state rankings courtesy of the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association.

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MSU and Michigan men’s basketball programs receive Big Ten schedules

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - The Big Ten released conference schedules for men’s basketball this week.

Each Big Ten team will play 14 single-game opponents split between seven home games and seven road games. Each team will have three home-and-home matchups.

We’ll start with Michigan State. The Spartans will play Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota twice. MUS will travel to Iowa, Maryland, Northwestern, Ohio State and Rutgers, as well as new conference members UCLA and USC.

Teams that will be visiting the Breslin Center in East Lansing include Indiana, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington.

Now over to Michigan where they’ll play MSU, Purdue and Rutgers two times a piece. The Wolverines will have road games against Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, UCLA, USC and Wisconsin.

U of M will host Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State and Washington.

Copyright 2024 WNEM. All rights reserved.

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NCAA staff | May 1, 2024

Teams and individuals selected for the 2024 di men's golf championships.

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Committee has selected the teams and individuals to participate in the regional rounds of the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships.

Six 54-hole regional tournaments will be conducted May 13-15. Thirteen teams and 10 individuals not on those teams will compete at each of three regionals while the other three regionals will have 14 teams and five individuals not on those teams. The top five teams and the low individual not on those teams from each regional will advance to the finals. 

Team and individual medalist titles will be decided May 24-29 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Texas is the host institution for the 2024 championships.

Thirty conferences have been granted automatic qualification for the 2024 regionals. Listed below are the teams and individuals selected to participate in the championships. Teams winning automatic qualification are designated by their conferences in parentheses.

Full championship schedule | Championship tickets

University Club – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hosted by LSU

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    Auburn [Southeastern Conference] 2.    Virginia 3.    Texas Tech 4.    Oregon 5.    Duke 6.    Ohio State 7.    LSU 8.    Louisville 9.    Houston  10.    South Carolina 11.    Lipscomb [ASUN Conference]  12.    Yale [The Ivy League] 13.    Loyola Maryland [Patriot League] 14.    Arkansas-Pine Bluff [Southwestern Athletic Conference]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Alex Goff, Kentucky 2.    Max Sturdza, Florida Atlantic 3.    Niilo Maki-Petaja, Louisiana Tech 4.    Hugo Thyr, South Alabama  5.    Archie Smith, Little Rock 

Finley Golf Club – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Hosted by North Carolina 

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    North Carolina [Atlantic Coast Conference] 2.    Alabama 3.    Georgia Tech 4.    East Tennessee State [Southern Conference] 5.    Northwestern [Big Ten Conference] 6.    Baylor 7.    VCU [Atlantic 10 Conference] 8.    LMU 9.    Long Beach State [Big West Conference] 10.    Clemson 11.    Michigan State 12.    Ball State [Mid-American Conference] 13.    Howard [Northeast Conference]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Tobias Jonsson, Mercer  2.    Walker Isley, UNCW 3.    Nick Mathews, NC State 4.    Conor Gough, Charlotte 5.    Will Davis, Davidson 6.    Spencer Oxendine, NC State 7.    Erik Johansson, Campbell 8.    Claes Borregaard, Kennesaw State 9.    Justin LaRue, Longwood  10.   Fred Roberts IV, High Point 

Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex – West Lafayette, Indiana 

Hosted by Purdue

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    Vanderbilt 2.    Arizona 3.    Florida 4.    New Mexico 5.    Purdue 6.    San Diego State [Mountain West Conference] 7.    Mississippi State 8.    Indiana 9.    College of Charleston [Coastal Athletic Association] 10.    Stetson  11.    Colorado State 12.    Southern Illinois [Missouri Valley Conference] 13.    Tennessee Tech [Ohio Valley Conference]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Caleb VanArragon, Valparaiso 2.    Hunter Thomson, Michigan  3.    Cameron Huss, Wisconsin  4.    Barend Botha, Toledo  5.    Valentin Peugnet, Illinois State  6.    Owen Stamper, Middle Tennessee 7.    Alex McCulla, Illinois State 8.    Ty Gingerich, Cincinnati  9.    Luke Fuller, Western Kentucky  10.  Ben Ortwein, Rider 

The Farms Golf Club – Rancho Santa Fe, California 

Hosted by San Diego

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    Arizona State [Pac-12 Conference] 2.    Washington 3.    Oklahoma 4.    California 5.    Oklahoma State 6.    North Florida  7.    Chattanooga 8.    South Florida [American Athletic Conference] 9.    San Diego [West Coast Conference] 10.    West Virginia 11.    Kansas  12.    Wright State [Horizon League] 13.    Seton Hall [Big East Conference] 14.    Winthrop [Big South Conference]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Mahanth Chirravuri, Pepperdine 2.    Tegan Andrews, Cal State Fullerton  3.    William Walsh, Pepperdine 4.    Brady Siravo, Pepperdine 5.    Kevin Li, Seattle University 

Stanford Golf Course – Stanford, California 

Hosted by Stanford

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    Florida State 2.    Ole Miss 3.    Illinois 4.    Texas A&M 5.    Stanford 6.    UCLA 7.    SMU 8.    Missouri 9.    Fresno State 10.    UNLV 11.    Augusta University [Southland Conference] 12.    Liberty [Conference USA] 13.    Sacramento State [Big Sky Conference] 14.    Siena [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Enrique Dimayuga, Nevada 2.    Ben Warian, Minnesota 3.    Jakob Melin, San Francisco 4.    Cole Rueck, Boise State  5.    Joe Sykes, Idaho 

The University of Texas Golf Club – Austin, Texas

Hosted by Texas

Teams (seeded in the following order): 1.    Tennessee 2.    Arkansas 3.    Texas [Big 12 Conference] 4.    Georgia 5.    Wake Forest 6.    Notre Dame 7.    UNC Greensboro 8.    Brigham Young  9.    Utah 10.    San Jose State 11.    Grand Canyon [Western Athletic Conference] 12.    Arkansas State [Sun Belt Conference] 13.    Kansas City [The Summit League]

Individuals (seeded in the following order): 1.    Gustav Frimodt, TCU  2.    Luke Gutschewski, Iowa State  3.    Hunter Bott, UTSA  4.    Cooper Schultz, Kansas State  5.    Kobe Valociek, Virginia Tech  6.    Joseph Sullivan, Florida Gulf Coast 7.    Erik Jansson, Jacksonville State  8.    Justin Biwer, Colorado  9.    Alexandre Vandermoten, Jacksonville  10.  Peicheng Chen, St. John’s 

Florida is the defending national champion after claiming its fifth NCAA Division I men’s golf national championship in school history. The Gators defeated Georgia Tech, 3-1 in the 2023 national championship match at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

For more information about the championship, click here.

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Penn State Nittany Lions

W : George, Hannah (6-1) L : Volpe, Mady (8-6)

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Penn state moves to 33-14 overall, 11-8 in big ten conference play.

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