Despite playing without two starters, the Goodrich varsity softball team still had enough going for them to win a district championship.
The Martians clinched the district championship with a 6-1 victory against Lapeer East in the district final Saturday, June 3 at Goodrich. Earlier, the Martians advanced to the district final with a 6-0 win against Linden.
Goodrich was scheduled to take on Chesaning in District 3 regional action Saturday, June 10 at Flint Powers. Battle Creek Pennfield was scheduled to play Haslett in the other regional final, with the two semifinal winners playing for the regional title later that day.
Kortni Elsworth and Kelsey Krych both missed the districts for the Martians, as they were competing for the Goodrich girls track team in the Division 3 state finals.
In order to make up for their absence, Goodrich coach Amy Gall shifted Jenny Brothers from left field to right field and Ashley Smith from right to center. In addition, Ally Gamble was inserted in Elsworth’s spot at third base, and Gall said she made a big difference.
‘She played a magnificent game for us,? Gall said. ‘She was great defensively.?
Against Lapeer East, Tori Morgan threw a one-hitter and struck out six while not allowing any walks. In addition, several Martians contributed offensively to the victory.
Tara Garman had a double, triple and RBI for the Martians, while Alyssa Bertrand had two doubles and two RBI, Megan Smith had a single, double and stolen base, and Hannah Nothhelfer (who was called up to the varsity) had two hits, one RBI and two stolen bases.
Against Linden, Morgan again dominated on the mound, throwing a one-hitter while walking one and striking out eight. Bertrand had two hits and a walk for the Martians, while Megan Smith added a double, Sydney Mahalak added a single, double and RBI, and Nothhelfer added a single and double.