As much as Rick Bescoe would like to see the Goodrich softball team do well on the field, there is one thing he wants the Martians to be known for.
‘We’d really like to be best recognized for having the best sportsmanship out there,? said Bescoe, who is in his second year as the Goodrich varsity softball coach.
The Martians achieved that objective last year, earning a team sportsmanship award and being selected an Academic All-State team with a team grade point average of 3.63. In addition, Kristan Childress (who has since graduated) was named an Academic All-State player.
Goodrich also achieved plenty of honors on the field, compiling a 31-13 record while finishing second in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division with a 19-3 league record. The Martians also captured district and regional championships.
Bescoe said the Martians are well-equipped for another strong season.
‘I told the girls this year we have 13 quality athletes in this program,? he said. ‘Just making the lineup will prove challenging. Everyone’s capable of coming in and making a difference.?
The Martians are returning plenty of talent from last year’s team, having lost only two seniors (Childress and Lauren Heidenberger) to graduation.
Leading the pack of returning Martians are three players who earned Division 3 All-State honors: second baseman Julie Owen (first team), pitcher Jessica Morgan and outfielder Kelsey Krych (each making honorable mention).
Those three players were joined on the All-Regional team by first baseman Alyssa Bertrand, and those four were joined by another three players on the All-District first team: third baseman Alisha Bergeron, shortstop at large Tara Garman, and outfielder Jenni Brothers. Childress was named to the all-district honorable mention squad.
Morgan, Owen, and Krych were named to the All-GAC Red first team, while Bergeron and Garman made the second team, and Bertrand and Ellen Nothhelfer each received honorable mention.
As far as the league goes this season, Bescoe said the Martians will receive plenty of competition from Lake Fenton, LakeVille, and New Lothrop.
Bescoe said the Martians will benefit this year from five players who played on the varsity as freshman last year: Brothers, Krych, Tori Morgan, Ashley Short, and Blaze Wilson.
Rounding out the Goodrich varsity are two freshmen, infielder Kortni Elsworth and outfielder Sydney Mahalak.
He also said with the experience gained from last year, the Martians will further develop offensively.
‘Last year, we were known mostly for slapping and bunting,? he said. ‘This year, we’ll turn to power hitting. I think one of the biggest things you’ll hear is how fast they are. They’re probably one of the fastest teams in the state.?

By Jeff Patrus
Sports Writer
As much as Rick Bescoe would like to see the Goodrich softball team do well on the field, there is one thing he wants the Martians to be known for.
‘We’d really like to be best recognized for having the best sportsmanship out there,? said Bescoe, who is in his second year as the Goodrich varsity softball coach.
The Martians achieved that objective last year, earning a team sportsmanship award and being selected an Academic All-State team with a team grade point average of 3.63. In addition, Kristan Childress (who has since graduated) was named an Academic All-State player.
Goodrich also achieved plenty of honors on the field, compiling a 31-13 record while finishing second in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division with a 19-3 league record. The Martians also captured district and regional championships.
Bescoe said the Martians are well-equipped for another strong season.
‘I told the girls this year we have 13 quality athletes in this program,? he said. ‘Just making the lineup will prove challenging. Everyone’s capable of coming in and making a difference.?
The Martians are returning plenty of talent from last year’s team, having lost only two seniors (Childress and Lauren Heidenberger) to graduation.
Leading the pack of returning Martians are three players who earned Division 3 All-State honors: second baseman Julie Owen (first team), pitcher Jessica Morgan and outfielder Kelsey Krych (each making honorable mention).
Those three players were joined on the All-Regional team by first baseman Alyssa Bertrand, and those four were joined by another three players on the All-District first team: third baseman Alisha Bergeron, shortstop at large Tara Garman, and outfielder Jenni Brothers. Childress was named to the all-district honorable mention squad.
Morgan, Owen, and Krych were named to the All-GAC Red first team, while Bergeron and Garman made the second team, and Bertrand and Ellen Nothhelfer each received honorable mention.
As far as the league goes this season, Bescoe said the Martians will receive plenty of competition from Lake Fenton, LakeVille, and New Lothrop.
Bescoe said the Martians will benefit this year from five players who played on the varsity as freshman last year: Brothers, Krych, Tori Morgan, Ashley Short, and Blaze Wilson.
Rounding out the Goodrich varsity are two freshmen, infielder Kortni Elsworth and outfielder Sydney Mahalak.
He also said with the experience gained from last year, the Martians will further develop offensively.
‘Last year, we were known mostly for slapping and bunting,? he said. ‘This year, we’ll turn to power hitting. I think one of the biggest things you’ll hear is how fast they are. They’re probably one of the fastest teams in the state.?