It would have been a memorable enough softball season for Sacred Heart Academy’s Sara Hansen to be on a squad that went to the state semifinals in Division 4, but the sophomore shorstop didn’t stop there. She wound up setting three Michigan High School Athletic Association records this season for the 31-8 Fighting Irish.
Her records included the most hits with 100, runs scored in a season with 82, plus a 39-game hitting streak. She had at least one hit in every game.
“I feel good about it, but it’s a team effort,” Hansen said. “It was also the team that helped.”
Coach Amy Gaudard verified the new marks by checking into the MHSAA record books.
“She broke them during the postseason, “Gaudard said. “Somebody said you might want to keep an eye on it. So I looked and could see she was close.”
Hansen batted .633 with two home runs and 39 RBI in her second season on varsity.
“She had a good freshman season. She broke the season record in hits and runs,” Gaudard said.
“I played in the summer and got a few lessons,” Hansen said. “That helped a lot. I didn’t really change my stance. I was taught better footwork on how to bunt.” She bunted frequently this season from her leadoff position, and her bunting ability paid a key role in setting her records.
‘Runs scored’ was the mark perhaps most meaningful for Hansen, she indicated. “You have to get on base first,” she said.
Hansen had several four-hit games this season, and there were only six games in which she was limited to one hit. Very seldom did she draw a walk.
“She has a lot of natural ability, and her speed is a big pull for her. She puts the ball in play,” Gaudard said. “She has more versatility.”
Hansen was also able to hit for power, Gaudard said.
“She has a lot of natural ability, but she works very, very hard to be successful,” Gaudard said. “Whatever it takes to win. She really wants to win.”
Hansen has played shortstop for several seasons.
Sacred Heart lost 7-3 to Summerfield in the Division 4 state semifinals June 15 at Battle Creek.
“I think we exceeded [expectations,]” Hansen said. “Last year we got left out in the districts. We wanted to win that. Going to the state semifinals was really fun.”
Looking ahead to next year, “I just want to do the best I can,” she said. “We’ll have a lot coming back; we should be pretty good.”