BY VINCE ELLIS • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • June 8, 2008
When Plymouth freshman Marissa Blassic delivered a two-run single in the bottom of fifth, tying a regional final against White Lake Lakeland at 2, it looked as if the Wildcats' surprising postseason run might continue.
But the Eagles, veterans of many postseason runs, were up to the task Saturday.
Lakeland (34-7) battered the Wildcats for 10 runs in the last two innings and earned a 12-5 victory. For the fourth straight season, the Eagles advanced to the Division 1 quarterfinals, which will be Tuesday at Birmingham Seaholm.
"We only have three seniors, so we're just excited to be back with the young kids," said Lakeland coach Joe Alsup, who won his 800th career game this season.
Lakeland has lost the past two title games to Warren Regina, and when the team lost three all-staters -- including Miss Softball Lauren Memmer -- folks figured the Eagles would struggle.
That has hardly been the case.
After Plymouth (21-15-1) tied the game, Lakeland freshman Kelsey Johnson untied it with an RBI single -- her second of the game.
After a sacrifice fly from another freshman, Kelsey Cleary, the rout was on.
Plymouth coach Val Canfield was proud of her team -- especially after the Wildcats beat No. 5 Northville earlier in the day in the semifinal. Northville had humbled Plymouth twice this season.
"That Northville game was a big win for us," Canfield said. "I'm overjoyed with how we played today and in the playoffs."
