Get to know the high school softball teams in Greater Lansing

Brian Calloway, Lansing State Journal

Here is an overview of the high school softball teams in Greater Lansing. This listing reflects information provided by area coaches.

CAAC BLUE

▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Holt, 2. DeWitt, 3. Waverly, 4. Grand Ledge, 5. Okemos, 6. East Lansing

▶ Top players: Keirlyn Bane, Okemos; Maddie Bekkering, DeWitt; Abbey DeLong, Waverly; Natalie Donaldson, DeWitt; Marlie Rehm, Holt; Kara Sandberg, Holt; Colette Sutton, Waverly

DEWITT

DeWitt's Natalie Donaldson catches a fly ball against Laingsburg during the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Softball Classic, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Ranney Park.
DeWitt's Natalie Donaldson catches a fly ball against Laingsburg during the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Softball Classic, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Ranney Park.

▶ Last season: 28-10, 9-1 (1st)

▶ Coach: Adam Nolen (10th season)

▶Top returners: Maddie Bekkering (sr.) C, Natalie Donaldson (jr.) P/OF, Madeline Torrence (so.) IF, Ruby Puck (so.) P/IF, Lily Utrup (jr.) P/OF, Jaydin Jubeck (sr.) OF, Kennedy Goerge (jr.) IF

▶Other contributors: Eliana Logan (sr.) OF

▶ Outlook: Bekkering and Donaldson are varsity veterans who will be among the key components as DeWitt aims to continue its success. Bekkering is a fourth-year varsity player who is headed to Mid-Michigan Community College and Donaldson is in her third season on varsity and is committed to Georgia. Nolen hopes the leadership fom the veterans and contributions from the young players help his program thrive again.

EAST LANSING

▶ Last season: 7-24

▶ Coach: Samantha Leonard (2nd season)

▶Top returners: Rosemary Buhl (sr.) C, Talia Dunn (jr.) 3B/C, Nevaeh Vasquez (jr.) CF

▶ Outlook: Buhl is a fourth-year varsity player, while Dunn and Vasquez are in their third seasons. They will lead a young Trojan team hoping to help the program grow.

GRAND LEDGE

▶ Last season: 18-17, 7-3 (2nd)

▶ Coach: David Sage (2nd season)

▶Top returners: Shayla Kiser (jr.) P, Gianna Naccarato (jr.) C/SS, Jade Queen (so.) OF, Kailey Nelson (so.) OF

▶Other contributors: Tomia Geter (so.) P

▶ Outlook: With 12 of its 13 players returning from what was a young team last season, the Comets hope to build off that success and will try to be in the mix in the CAAC Blue.

HOLT

Holt's Eeva Luoma catches a fly ball against DeWitt, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Grand Ledge High School.
Holt's Eeva Luoma catches a fly ball against DeWitt, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Grand Ledge High School.

▶ Last season: 29-10 (2nd)

▶ Coach: Kim Reichard (25th season)

▶ Top returners: Kaelyn Rozycki (sr.) 3B, Marlie Rehm (so.) #B/1B/DP, Kara Sandberg (jr.) P/OF, Olivia Root (jr.) C/OF, Sadie Laubenthal (jr.) SS, Eeva Luoma (so.) OF, Lola Knox (jr.) 1B, Macey Cole (sr.) OF, Lynsee Holl (jr.), Paeteon Vendlen (so.)

▶ Other contributors: Abby Fields (fr.) P, Grace Atkinson (fr.) C

▶ Outlook: The Rams have a strong core with 10 returning players, which includes a returning all-state state designated player in Rehm and all-league performers Rozycki, Sandberg, Laubenthal and Luoma.

OKEMOS

▶ Last season: 2-8 (4th)

▶ Coach: Amy Bane (3rd season)

▶Top returners: Brenlie Bartlett (sr.) 2B/C, Keirlyn Bane (jr.) 1B/P, Lola Walworth (jr.) SS/CF

▶ Other contributors: Jamie Warren (fr.) C/3B, Natalie Cook (fr.) P/1B, Julianna Tsai (fr.) SS/CF

▶ Outlook: The Wolves have a young team Coach Bane said has the potential to have a strong season. Keirlyn Bane and Walworth are third-year varsity starters and Bartlett is signed to continue her career at Knox College to lead the returners for Okemos.

WAVERLY

Waverly's Daniela Anzaldua throws a fielded ball against Parma Western, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Mason High School.
Waverly's Daniela Anzaldua throws a fielded ball against Parma Western, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Mason High School.

▶ Last season: 23-17

▶ Coach: John Herrera (6th season)

▶Top returners: Abbey DeLong (sr.) OF, Isabella Rodriguez (sr.) SS, Colette Sutton (sr.) C, Savanna Wade (sr.) 1B, Danzi Anzaldua (jr.) 3B, McKenna Bensigner (jr.) OF, Charie McCants (sr.) OF, Kaylin Snook (sr.) OF, Nevaeh Larner (so.) P

▶Other contributors: Sydney Sutton (fr.) UT

▶ Outlook: The Warriors captured their first district title in program history last season and aim to build on that success with a large core of veteran returners. Colette Sutton and DeLong are fourth-year varsity players who earned all-region honors last spring. Rodriguez, Wade, Anzaldua, Bensinger, McCants and Snook are other players with at least three years of varsity experience for Waverly, which expects to compete for its first league title since 1973 and earn a spot in the Softball Classic.

CAAC RED

▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Fowlerville, 2. Mason, 3. Haslett, 4. Williamston, 5. St. Johns, 6. Lansing

▶ Top players: Tori Briggs, Fowlerville; Jaiden Griffith, Williamston; Hailey Kruizenga, Mason

FOWLERVILLE

Fowlerville's Tori Briggs bats against Laingsburg during their opening day game of the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Softball Classic, Monday, May 22, 2023, at Ranney Park.
Fowlerville's Tori Briggs bats against Laingsburg during their opening day game of the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Softball Classic, Monday, May 22, 2023, at Ranney Park.

▶ Last season: 16-12 (1st)

▶ Coach: Brad Ryan (3rd season)

▶Top returners: Tori Briggs (sr.) SS/P/C, Tommi Kleinschmidt (jr.) Cf, Meadow Browne (jr.) P/1B, Kiely Davis (so.) C/IF, McKenna Maybee (so.) OF/2B, Angelle Haan (sr.) C/OF

▶Other contributors: MaKayla Fletcher (sos.) UT

▶ Outlook: The goal for the Gladiators is to build on last year and challenge other top programs in the area. Briggs is signed to play at Central Michigan, while Haan is committed to Tiffin. Haan is coming off shoulder injury and could return at the end of the season. Kleinschmidt and Davis will be among other key contributors for Fowlerville.

HASLETT

▶ Last season: 5-5 (3rd)

▶ Coach: Dan Ruhstorfer (13th season)

▶Top returners: Payden Whitmore (jr.) C, Malorie Pinkelman (sr.) 1B

▶Other contributors: Abby Johnson (sr.), P/2B, Emme Kohuth (jr.) 3B, Riley Wheeler (so.) P/2B

▶ Outlook: Whitmore and Pinkelman are returning all-league and all-district players for the Vikings, while Johnson is a fourth-year varsity player for Haslett. Ruhstorfer expects his team to compete well this season with a tough lineup offensively and a solid defense.

LANSING

▶ Last season: 10-22

▶ Coach: Ramona Mendez (16th season)

▶Top returners: Avyanna Vidal (sr.) P/1B, Alivia Brayton (sr.) SS, Kayleigh Stone (sr.) 3B/2B/OF, Kenna Bartlett (sr.) C/2B

▶Other contributors: Leah Palacios (so.) 1B/OF/P, Kristy Palacios (so.) 3B/P/C

▶ Outlook: Brayton and Vidal are fourth-year varsity players for Lansing and among a core of seniors on its roster. With more experience in key positions than years past, Lansing aims to continue to build and compete in the CAAC Red.

MASON

▶ Last season: 19-9 (2nd)

▶ Coach:Casei Marlan (25th season)

▶Top returners: Hailey Kruizenga (sr.) SS/C, Mia Trigo (so.) 3B, Trinity Dishaw (so.) RF, Avery Beach (jr.) C/CF, Kendall VanderGiessen (jr.) P, Marisa Trigo (sr.) CF

▶Other contributors: Sydney Roche (jr.) LF, McKayla Chaney (jr.) 1B

▶ Outlook: The Bulldogs look to build on their success from last season when they finished as the CAAC Red runner-up and reached a district final. Kruizenga is a signed to play at Lansing Community College and is part of a veteran group for Mason, which has seven returning starters. Marlan hopes the experience will factor into team success.

CAAC WHITE

▶ Coaches' predictions: 1.Lakewood, 2. Lansing Catholic, 3. Olivet, T-4. Eaton Rapids, T-4. Portland, 6. Ionia, 7. Charlotte

▶ Top players: Lily Federau, Lakewood; Peyton Federau, Lakewood; Audrey Hillard, Lakewood; Jayden Townsend, Portland

EATON RAPIDS

▶ Last season: 2nd

▶ Coach: Tori Askew (1st season)

▶Top returners: Brooke Depeel (jr.) 3B/1B, Ari Brooks (jr.) P/3B, Madaelen Putnam (so.) UT, Izzy Hoag (sr.) UT, Mallory Smith (so.) C

▶Other contributors: Abi Pratt (fr.) SS, Riley Cutler (jr.) 1B/C, Taylor Orta (so.) OF, Maegan Schutte (so.) P/UT

▶ Outlook: Depeel and Putnam were first team all-league selections last spring for the Greyhounds, who begin a new era with Askew replacing longtime leader Scott Warriner. Eaton Rapids will look to its veterans to lead the way with six all-league performers from last season having graduated. The Greyhounds will also look for contributions from some newcomers as they try to challenge for a title in the CAAC White.

IONIA

▶ Last season: 16-22-1, 4-4 (T-3rd)

▶ Coach: Jim Batista (1st season)

▶Top returners: Victoria Gutierrez (sr.) P/IF, Kamryn Perry (sr.) C/IF, Nevaeh Standard (sr.) OF, Allyson Strasser (sr.) IF, Kaidence Thomas (sr.) P/IF, Emma White (sr.) OF, Kennedy Batista (so.) C/IF/OF

▶Other contributors: Lauryn Schmid (jr.) C/IF/OF, Liberty Standard (jr.) P/IF/OF, Mariah Stoakes (jr.) IF/OF, Gabrielle Meyers (so.) IF/OF, Allyson Schmid (fr.) C/IF/OF

▶ Outlook: The Bulldogs will have a veteran player with seven players on their roster with returning varsity experience. Perry is in her fourth season on varsity, while Thomas, White and Gutierrez are in their third seasons.

LAKEWOOD

▶ Last season: 25-13 (2nd GLAC)

▶ Coach: Brent Hilley (6th season)

▶Top returners: Lily Federau (sr.) C, Audrey Hillard (sr.) SS, Maryssa Goble (sr.) CF, Peyton Federau (so,) P/3B, Kendyl Steward (sr.) P/LF, Allison Slater (sr.) 3B/2B, Kerigan Schroeder (jr.) RF/LF

▶Other contributors: Graycie Schroeder (sr.) IF, Matti Aldrich (so.) UT, Madison Fenlong (so.) 1B, Gracie Hillard (fr.) P

▶ Outlook: The Vikings have a core of returning all-league players from a squad that won a district title and was among the best in the GLAC last season. Lily Federau, who earned Division 2 all-state honors, is headed to Lawrence Tech, Hillard is slated to continue her career at Lansing Community College and Goble joins them as a fourth-year varsity player. With a lot of varsity experience on its roster, Hilley believes Lakewood could find a lot of success if it plays to its potential.

LANSING CATHOLIC

▶ Last season: 20-9-1, 7-1 (1st)

▶ Coach: Amy Poljan

▶Top returners: Mary Poljan (sr.) 1B/OF, Addison Charette (sr.) OF/C, Eva Chain (jr.) P, Natalie Young (jr.) OF, Avery Dunneback (so.) 3B/SS, Taylor Dunneback (so.) C, Austryn Arellano (so.) CF

▶Other contributors: Makayla Paul (sr.), Katy Howard (so.) IF, Alyssa Laconte (fr.) IF, Zoey Gruber (fr.) P/IF

▶ Outlook: The Cougars return much of their core from a squad that captured a CAAC White title. Mary Poljan, Charette, Avery Dunneback, Taylor Dunneback and Arellano are returning first team all-league performers for Lansing Catholic, which looks to build on its first league title since 2005.

OLIVET

▶ Last season: 20-10-1 (T-2nd GLAC)

▶ Coach: Michelle Cooper (3rd season)

▶Top returners: Isabella Strader (sr.) P/OF/1B, Kara Priddy (sr.) SS, Faith Habenstreit (jr.) OF

▶Other contributors: Carlee Martin (fr.) 1B/IF, Kate Priddy (fr.) IF/3B, Elleigh Wilson (fr.) C/OF, Rylie Betts (fr.) OF, Ashley Carr (so.) C/OF, Sasha Kelly (fr.) OF, Avery Davis (sr.) IF

▶ Outlook: The Eagles lost nine seniors from last year's team and will look to rebuild with a young roster. Strader is a fourth-year varsity performer who leads the experience and will handle duties in the circle, while Kara Priddy is a third-year starter. Both were all-GLAC selections last season. Olivet looks to get contributions from a roster that has five freshman as it aims to finish in the top half of the CAAC White.

PORTLAND

▶ Last season: 20-15 (T- 2nd)

▶ Coach: Brandee Novara (5th season)

▶Top returners: Jayden Townsend (sr.), 2B/P, Bailee Fish (jr.) C, Autumn Reffitt (jr.) 3B, Anastasia Seidelman (jr.) OF/C

▶Other contributors: Bella Spitzley (so.) P/2B, Claire Lyon (so.) SS

▶ Outlook: Townsend is committed to continue her career at Alma and is part of an experience core of players for the Raiders. Portland also has youth it expects to get contributions from as it looks to experience success.

CMAC

▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Laingsburg, 2. Portland St. Patrick, 3. Fowler, 4. Bath, 5. Perry, 6. Saranac, 7. Pewamo-Westphalia, 8. Dansville, 9. Potterville

▶ Top players: Sara Austin, Perry; Ashley Bila, Laingsburg; Adduson Buchin, Laingsburg; Kaitlyn Dickey, Bath; Bella Latuzek, Laingsburg; Saige Miller, Fowler; Gracelyn Rockey, Portland St. Patrick; Aubrie Schaibly, Bath; Rylee Scheurer, Portland St. Patrick

BATH

▶ Last season: 21-12

▶ Coach: Buck (13th season)

▶Top returners: Kaitlyn Dickey (sr.) 1B/P, Kassi Buck (sr.) SS, Aubrie Schaibly (sr.) 2B, Abby Smith (sr.) C, Haylee Awrey (so.) P/IF, Anna Schaibly (jr.) OF/IF, Isabella Cokonougher (jr.) OF

▶ Outlook: Dickey is a fourth-year varsity player who earned all-state honors last season and is committed to Madonna. Kassi Buck, Aubrie Schaibly and Smith are already fourth-year varsity players for the Bees, who have seven returning starters and expects to compete for league and district titles.

DANSVILLE

▶ Last season: 9-25 (8th)

▶ Coach: Bill Sherwood (6th season)

▶ Outlook: The Aggies have just two seniors and have a young roster. Sherwood said the focus for the program is to compete and grow for the future.

FOWLER

▶ Last season: 29-7 (2nd)

▶ Coach: Tim Andros

▶Top returners: Bri Halfmann (sr.) P, Makenna Smith (sr.) 2B, Anna Andros (jr.) P/OF, Paisely Hansen (jr.) 1B, Chloe Feldpausch (jr.) OF, Saige Miller (so.) SS

▶Other contributor: Addison Spicer (so.) 3B

▶ Outlook: Halfmann, Miller and Smith were Division 4 all-state selections last season and are among key returners for the Eagles. With a mix of veterans and driven underclassmen, Coach Andros said Fowler expects to be competitive in the CMAC.

LAINGSBURG

Laingsburg's Addyson Buchin fires a pitch to a Cass City batter during a Division 3 state quarterfinal at Saginaw Valley State University on June, 13, 2023.
Laingsburg's Addyson Buchin fires a pitch to a Cass City batter during a Division 3 state quarterfinal at Saginaw Valley State University on June, 13, 2023.

▶ Last season: 36-7

▶ Coach: Jeff Cheadle (19th season)

▶Top returners: Ashley Bila (sr.) SS, Addyson Buchin (jr.) P, Bella Latuzek (so.) 2B, Harper Strouse (so.) C, Savvy Stirm (so.) 1B, Ella Merrell (sr.) OF

▶Other contributors: Skyler Stiff (so.) P/IF, Peyton Stahr (so.) P/IF, Alayna Merrell (fr.) IF/OF

▶ Outlook: The Wolfpack made a strong run last spring, reaching the Division 3 state semifinal at Michigan State. Getting back to that spot is a goal for the Wolfpack, who have several key returning players. Bila is signed with Central Michigan and is joined by Buchin and Latuzek as returning all-state players for Laingsburg.

PERRY

▶ Last season: 23-15

▶ Co-coaches: Kris Smith / Greg Hallock (3rd season / 6th season)

▶Top returners: Sara Austin (jr.) P/UT, Madison Ralston (jr.) C/SS, Teagen Hallock (jr.) CF/UT, Emma Winans (so.) 2B/CF, Celina McFarland (sr.) SS/UT

▶Other contributors: Isabella Hammel (fr.) UT, Aliva Davis (fr.) 1B/3B

▶ Outlook: Austin and Ralston were first team all-league selections in the GLAC and joined be Teagan Hallock as third-year varsity players for the Ramblers. As it transitions to the CMAC, Perry is pushing to finish in the top half of the league and is aiming for another season with at least 20 wins.

PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA

▶ Coach: Stanley Bauer (2nd season)

▶Top returners: Brynn Bauer (sr.), Ava Smith (sr.), Brooke Spitzley (sr.), Taylor Nurenberg (jr.), Makayla McRae (jr.)

▶Other contributors: Peyton Eklund (fr.), Reylee Thelen (fr.), Elyse Thelen (so.)

▶ Outlook: Brynn Bauer and Spitzley are fourth-year varsity players and are part of an experienced core while the Pirates expect a trio of freshmen and two sophomores to contribute as well. Coach Bauer believes his team should be solid on offense and defense and believes P-W could surprise a few teams if it gets consistent pitching.

POTTERVILLE

▶ Last season: 0-16

▶ Coach: Dave Carlson (9th season)

▶Top returners: Kyra Marciniak (jr.) SS, Cam Hanney (jr.) C, Ryler Brooks (sr.) CF, Avery Koeppen (sr.) C/1B

▶Other contributors: Lena Morris (fr.) IF, Kayla Blake (fr.) P/IF

▶ Outlook: Potterville has a youthful group in which Carlson said is improving each practice. The Vikings are working to develop pitching.

OTHERS

FULTON

▶ Last season: 18-16 (4th MSAC)

▶ Coach: Clint Canfield (2nd season)

▶Top returners: Kaya Canfield (jr.) C/3B, Jaci Canfield (jr.) SS/P/C, Alayna Smolinski (sr.) 1B, Aubrey Smolinski (so.) OF

▶Other contributors: Camryn Cunningham (fr.) UT, Ellie Drummond (fr.) UT

▶ Outlook: Kaya and Jaci Canfield are returning first team all-league selections and are joined by Smolinski as varsity veterans for the Pirates.

ITHACA

▶ Last season: 17-20 (2nd TVC)

▶ Coach: Shelby Shankel (3rd season)

▶Top returners: Faith Fisher (sr.) OF/3B, Alyssa McPherson (sr.) 2B/OF, Kennedi Ryan (jr.) SS/P/OF, Emmalee Shankel (jr.) C/OF, Ivy Davenport (jr.) P/SS/OF, Hayden Whitmore (jr.) OF/1B, Quinne McMurphy (jr.) OF/2B, Emma Polash (jr.) OF/3B

▶Other contributor: Maeli Akin (fr.) 1B/P/OF

▶ Outlook: Davenport and Ryan were first team all-league performers for the Yellowjackets, who will try to bounce back after having a losing season last spring. Coach Shankel believes Ithaca has potential to have a strong season but needs to remain focused on the task at hand.

LESLIE

Leslie's Gabby Waldofsky hits an RBI single in the 7th inning against DeWitt during the championship game of the Softball Classic, Friday, May 26, 2023, at Ranney Park.
Leslie's Gabby Waldofsky hits an RBI single in the 7th inning against DeWitt during the championship game of the Softball Classic, Friday, May 26, 2023, at Ranney Park.

▶ Last season: 33-6 (1st GLAC)

▶ Coach: Rich Bradford (7th season)

▶Top returners: Ada Bradford (sr.) P, Jalen Fossitt (sr.) SS, Gabby Waldofsky (sr.) CF, Myah Fletcher (sr.) C, Kae Adair (jr.) OF, Adrianna Fogg (so.) IF, Sahara Burley (sr.) IF

▶Other contributors: Eliana Trierweiler (sr.) UT, Maddy Ream (fr.) UT

▶ Outlook: Experience will be a strength for the Blackhawks, who have a large core of seniors and six starters back from a team that won the Softball Classic and league and district titles. Ada Bradford is headed to Aquinas and is a three-time first team all-state player, while Waldofsky also is a returning all-state performer. Leslie is looking for a few players to fill a few holes as it looks to add to its success while making the move to the Cascades Conference.

OVID-ELSIE

▶ Last season: 3rd

▶ Coach: Rachel Winter (1st season)

▶Top returners: Maddisyn Miller (sr.) C, Kaitlyn Fry (sr.) P, Karigann Cuthbert (sr.) SS

▶Other contributors: Olyvia Coon (jr.) IF, Jamie Houska (jr.) UT

▶ Outlook: Miller, Fry and Cuthbert are fourth-year varsity players slated to continue their careers in college. Miller and Fry are committed to Adrian College and Cuthbert is headed to Aquinas. That trio will be among the key contributors as the Marauders aim to finish on top of the competitive MMAC.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Greater Lansing high school softball overview

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