GRAND BLANC, MI – Unionville-Sebewaing Area tries to capitalize on every opportunity it gets. On this day, its first chance was its only chance. And the Patriots pounced.
Top-ranked USA plated two first-inning runs then did everything it took to make them stand, fending off No. 4 Plymouth Christian 2-0 in the Division 4 softball state quarterfinal Tuesday at Grand Blanc. “I was thinking ‘Let’s get two more the next inning and two more the inning after that,’” USA coach Marc Reinhardt said.
“It didn’t work out that way. “But the way we were pitching, I felt pretty good with two runs.” The win propels the Patriots (24-11) back to the final four for the 17th time in 18 seasons and gives them continued hopes for a record-tying fifth consecutive state championship.
USA takes on No. 3-ranked Mendon in the semifinal at 5:30 p.m.
Friday at Michigan State University. No. 5 Holton meets No.
7 Hillman at 3 p.m. Friday in the other semifinal, with the D4 state championship set for 5:30 p.
m. Saturday. After establishing a new state record last year with its ninth softball state championship in program history, USA has remained on that title track once again.
The Patriots captured their 20th consecutive district title and 20th consecutive regional crown to reach the quarterfinal round. But reaching a sixth straight final four would not be easy. USA opened the game in impressive fashion, quickly scoring two runs to take charge.
Rylie Betson reached with a leadoff walk an.
