Sports

Going, going, gone: Varsity softball moves up to the MAC Red Division

By Mia Stephanoff STAFF REPORTER

Although moving up divisions in athletics can be difficult, the varsity softball team is taking on that challenge this season. After their success in the MAC White Division, finishing in the top spot last year, the team is making their move up to the MAC Red Division, the highest division in the Macomb Area Conference.

While the Red is one of the toughest divisions to be in, head coach Ron Smith says that his girls are ready for the challenge. He knows the difficulty they will face but is also confident in his team’s abilities.

“When we were asked to move up to the Red, we felt we were ready and had earned it,” Smith said. “Every team and every game will be tough competition. We have to stay healthy and focused.”

Knowing the skilled teams they will face, senior player Jessica Alway expresses her excitement for this change and their plan to take on the Red with consistent hard work and improvement during every game and practice.

“It will definitely be challenging but it’s a great way to improve and see what we need to work on,” Alway said. “The biggest thing I think would benefit our team is learning to finish strong. It’s easy to let up at the end and it’s important that we stay focused until we’re shaking hands.”

Already hard at work, the girls have their eyes aimed at the ultimate goal of a state championship. Alway believes this goal is achievable due to the large variety of strengths within the team.

“Our pitchers are very consistent and our hitting is very strong,” Alway said.

“Our team is so talented and if we give 100% every game we can definitely make it [to the state championship].”

In addition to the team’s talent, Alway says that one thing sets their team apart from the rest is their constant support for each other.

“The most amazing thing about our team is our support of one another,” Alway said. “It keeps the environment positive so we can move on after mistakes and get better from them instead.”

The support doesn’t stop within the team. Many supporters follow the girls throughout their season. Team parent Tim Kane has been a supporter of the program since 2014, and looks forward to watching the girls face off against top opponents.

“The camaraderie of this group is very refreshing,” Kane said. “They had so much fun playing with each other last year. I love watching [this] close knit group come together and enjoy each other while they take on all challengers.”

The team is currently on their path to success in the Red and possibly a state championship, and Kane believes that this is a path they have been paving for many years. He says that moving up to the highest division was made possible by the players that came before them, and their hard work and success is still present in the program.

“The depth in the program has been slowly building for several years,” Kane said. “The move up is a testament to all the players and coaches who built and continue to build the program over the last [five to six] years.”

At this new level, the team hopes to attain multiple feats. Their eyes are locked on the state championship, and achieving that goal will bring them more pride than just a state title.

“We have only one goal,” Smith said. “In order to get there, several accomplishments will be achieved along the way.”

GABE GOODE

MIA STEPHANOFF

BATTING AGAINST THE BEST | Playing in the Red will be anything but easy. As Varsity softball continues their season, they will go up against elite opponents. Team parent Tim Kane believes while challenging, playing these games can build confidence as they show off and improve their talent, and their supporters show much confidence in this team. “This is a very confident group,” Kane said. “I think they will relish playing the best teams in the state.”

COURTESY OF ERICA BABCOCK

Girls lacrosse sticks together through changes

By Natalie Babcock & Shannon Kane INTERNS

The girls varsity lacrosse team fell short with a loss of 14-5 at their home opener on April 6 against Oxford High School. This was their first game with the new head coach, Gabrielle D’Angelo, and their first time playing as an “Opt-Up” team for Division 1 of MHSAA. Being considered “Opt-Up” means that the majority of the team’s competition is in the lower enrollment Division 2, but they still can play teams in the upper division, as North’s enrollment falls in the middle. With these changes, players and fans alike anticipate much growth and success to come this season. Senior Mary Andreoli intends on enjoying this season of lacrosse, and she has found that her new coach has implemented many practices to ensure a good season. “My hope is to have a good time and just enjoy the season,” Andreoli said. “Coach Elle is really good about keeping morale up, and starts each game with a quote to help us with our game and our moods.” Andreoli also believes that playing different teams than in previous years provides an opportunity for skill improvement. “I think being in a lower division will help us to regain our skills and learn better," Andreoli said. "It will overall help the program rebuild and learn." Along with the players, fans and spectators alike, team parent Tina Justice says she has already noticed positive changes to the program. “Coach D’Angelo is very positive, and the players really love playing for her,” Justice said. “[She] has created a very positive team atmosphere.” D’Angelo emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive environment for the team, stating this is a season all about growth and development for the players. “Players demanded that we have a positive and enjoyable season regardless of record,” D’Angelo said. "Since all spring sports are recovering from two years of COVID-19, I don't think we're alone in trying to rebuild enthusiasm and in productive team dynamics.” Since moving down a division, the opportunity for individual development among all players has expanded, and they are excited to improve their skills. “We have been steadily adding to our lacrosse skills and building our ability to implement skills in a variety of game settings,” D’Angelo said. “For now, we are at the start of a rampup towards being competitive in those higher-level games.”

FACE OFF | Senior Ella Maltby has learned many new things this season and she continues to grow with her teammates. “This year’s team has taught me that determination does better than experience,” Maltby said.