Tara Garman served notice early on that the Goodrich varsity softball team was intent on advancing in district action.
The Goodrich senior hit a three-run home run in the first inning to spark the Martians to an 8-3 win against visiting LakeVille in predistrict action Tuesday, May 30. The Martians advanced to take on Linden in the district semifinals, slated for Saturday, June 3 at Goodrich.
Goodrich is now 24-6-1 heading into the district semifinals.
Lapeer East faces Southwestern Academy in the other scheduled district semfinal game. The district championship game is scheduled for later that day.
Goodrich’s predistrict win against LakeVille was the third game in five days the two schools have played.
Garman provided the big offensive punch for the Martians in the predistrict game, driving in a total of five runs against the Falcons. Kelsey Krych, Sydney Mahalak and Ashley Short each added two hits, while Tori Morgan was the game’s winning pitcher, striking out eight LakeVille batters.
In a May 26 doubleheader against the Falcons, the two teams split the twin bill, with LakeVille winning the opener 6-5 and the Martians taking the nightcap 7-6. Goodrich’s second-game win was enough for the Martians to clinch a share of their second straight Genesee Area Conference Red Division championship.
The Martians finished 14-3 in the division, tying them with Lake Fenton for the league title. LakeVille finished one game behind at 13-4 in the GAC Red.