By BUTCH HARMON
When opposing teams face the Bay City Western softball team, they know that they are in for a long day.
From one through nine, the Warriors have a potent lineup of hitters that gives opponents no easy outs.
That deep, productive offense combined with a strong one-two pitching punch has enabled Western to enter the final week of the regular season with a 27-1 record and a third consecutive Saginaw Valley League title.
“We knew we were good on paper, and we knew we would have a pretty good hitting lineup if everybody met their potential,” coach Rick Garlinghouse said. “That has happened and then some this season.”
Leadoff hitter Meredith Rousse is one of the leading hitters, while the Warriors have also been getting plenty of production from catcher Haley Brickham, the top power hitter. Hannah Leppek is another standout hitter who cranks out line drives.
“We have a bunch of hitters throughout the lineup that just get base hits,” Garlinghouse said. “Coaches from opposing teams come up to me and say there are no holes in our lineup. There is no let up. Our number eight hitter Madison Brewer hit a home run in our game against Heritage.”
While the hitters have been prolific in producing runs this spring, Western’s pitchers have done their best to keep opponents’ bats silent.
“We had two pitchers come into the season with some high expectations,” Garlinghouse said. “Junior Hannah Leppek is undefeated this season and has defeated every team in our league. Freshman Kelsie Popp has also done a nice job, and she just had a no-hitter against Heritage. They have done a super job and give us a chance to win every game we play in, and they are also good hitters as well.”
The Warriors have also done the job in the field.
“I just think our team is well-rounded,” Garlinghouse said. “We have good pitching, hitting, and defense, and as long as we keep doing those things, I think we will be all right. We don’t have one particular person to lean on, and no one player has to carry the load.”
Western captured a third straight league title this season, and with just three seniors on the team, that string has the potential to grow in the future, as Garlinghouse has built a solid program.
“I just think it’s the work ethic of the kids,” Garlinghouse said. “They buy into the program. They buy into the coaching method and have been working hard.”
With postseason play approaching, the Warriors are looking for a long run.
“I think this year, from reading scores from around the state, there doesn’t seem to be a dominant team out there,” Garlinghouse said. “That is good, but at the same time it’s scary because that means there are several teams like us. They are very good but can be beat. The state tournament is single elimination and is really scary. One loss and you are done. You might be able to beat a team nine times out of ten, but if that tenth time comes up you are out. It makes the tournament exciting for fans, but it’s hard on players and coaches.”