The dream of a state championship is still alive for the Goodrich varsity softball team.
The Martians scored three runs in the third inning and four more in the sixth to pull away for an 8-2 victory against St. Clair Shores Lake Shore in a Division 2 quarterfinal game June 13 in Flushing.
Goodrich (35-6-1) was scheduled to take on Wayland (39-3) in the Division 2 state semifinals Friday, June 16 at Bailey Park in Battle Creek. Ionia (37-6) was scheduled to play against Monroe Jefferson (28-6) in the other Division 2 state semifinal that day.
The winners of the two Division 2 semifinal games were then scheduled to play for the Division 2 state championship Saturday, June 17 at Bailey Park.
The Martians have advanced this far once before in school history. In 1995, the Martians made it to the state championship game before losing to Lake Fenton.
Goodrich coach Amy Gall said she has read up ‘a little bit? on Wayland, which is located southwest of Grand Rapids. She said the Martians are anxious for the big day.
‘They can’t wait until Friday, but we have a lot of work to do to get ready for Wayland,? she said.
Junior pitcher Tori Morgan allowed only one walk and struck out eight to pick up the win for the Martians.
Several Martians helped the team offensively. Junior Kelsey Krych had two hits and a walk, while sophomore Kortni Elsworth notched three hits, one walk and a stolen base.
Also contributing were senior Alyssa Bertrand (two hits and one RBI) and junior Ashley Short (two hits and two RBI).
The Martians made it to the Division 2 quarterfinals with a 3-1 win against Haslett in regional final action June 10 at Flint Powers Catholic.
Freshman Megan Smith stepped up for the Martians in the title game, throwing a complete game and allowing nine hits and two walks while striking out three. The game was tied at one until Elsworth scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning.
Goodrich advanced to the regional finals with a 10-5 win against Chesaning earlier in the day. Smith relieved Morgan after Chesaning cut the Martians? lead to 6-5, and shut down the Indians the rest of the way.
Elsworth led the Goodrich offense by going 3-for-4 with a double and a triple against Chesaning.
As the co-champions of the Genesee Area Conference Red Division, the Martians were well-represented on this year’s All-GAC Red team.
Four Martians were named to the All-League first team ? seniors Tara Garman and Bertrand and juniors Krych and Morgan. In addition, Smith and sophomores Courtney Brejnak and Elsworth made the second team, while Short was an honorable mention selection.