It seems like old times again. Coach Cheri Ritz and the Wayland softball team are regional champions for the 10th time during her tenure.
The Lady Wildcats Saturday in Otsego registered a pair of 3-1 victories, first over Coldwater in the semifinals and then over Edwardsburg in the championship game.
Wayland now will play in the state quarterfinal round at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bailey Park in Battle Creek. Its opponent will be Owosso (34-3), which defeated Lake Odessa Lakewood in 10 innings in its regional finale. Pitcher Macy Irelan struck out 33 batters during the day.
Coldwater came into the regional tourney with just a 20-17 overall record and proved to be a formidable and stubborn foe, not going down easily. Edwardsburg also was somewhat of a surprise after defeating No. 3-ranked Division 2 powerhouse (35-1) Stevensville Lakeshore 6-1.
Neither Wayland nor Edwardsburg was listed among the Michigan Softball Coaches Association top 10 rankings, with the Wildcats appearing on the list of honorable mentions.
Junior hurler Emma Ludema threw a one-hitter at the Eddies, walked two and struck out eight batters. She yielded one hit and one run in the first inning, but blanked Edwardsburg the rest of the way.
Heading up the fireworks was a home run blast by Kennedy Cole and Hannah Rairigh had a couple of hits.
Kayla Reed was the winning pitcher in the semifinal, with relief help from Ludema.
