The Wayland softball team somehow has gone virtually unnoticed this season in the state rankings, but the Michigan Softball Coaches Association now has to be impressed.
The Wildcats Saturday took the championship game in the 18-team star-studded Blue Chip tournament at Whistlestop Park in Byron Center by outlasting Walled Lake Northern, ranked No. 4 in Division 1. Wayland prevailed 3-2 in nine innings on a walk-off RBI single by Kaelyn Sikkema and a gutsy pitching performance by ace Emma Ludema.
Another hero in the showdown was Hannah Rairigh, who delivered a solo homer early in the ballgame and drove in two runs.
Wayland captured victories in its other two preliminary round encounters, so it ended the day with an overall record of 30-1.
The ‘Cats only loss this spring came in their season opener nearly two months ago to Jenison, which this past week was rated No. 5 in Division 1.
In their first game of the day, they defeated Grand Haven 7-0. Leading the attack was Kami Morse, going 2-for-4, with a homer. Kennedy Cole was also 2-4. Wildcats getting one hit included Rya VanderKooi, Oakleigh Hulst, Emma Tornes and Grace Kincaid.
Emma Ludema took the victory on the mound, allowing just two hits.
In their second game they defeated Dearborn Divine Child 10-0. Kennedy Cole, went 2-for-3 with a double and Emma Tornes also was 2-3 and Hannah Rairigh was 2-4. Kami Morse had a home run, Rya VanderKooi, Kaelyn Sikkema, Oakleigh Hulst, Jada Mohon and Grace Kincaid all added one hit apiece.
Harmony Laker took the shutout victory on the mound.
