Pickford falls against Patriots in softball semifinals

EAST LANSING — Pickford softball tournament run ended with a 13-0 loss against Unionville-Sebewaing in the Division 4 semifinals Friday at Michigan State University’s Seccia Stadium.

USA senior Laci Harris pitched a 1-hitter against the Panthers, and struck out 10 over five innings.

The Panthers finish 25-15-2. Pickford won its first district, first regional and quarterfinal in school history, also reaching the Final Four for the first time during the best softball season in school history. Pickford co-ops with Maplewood Baptist Academy for softball. 

“We knew they were going to be tough,” Pickford coach Matt Hudecek said. “They are in the finals year-in and year-out for a reason. They were the best team and she (Lari Harris) was the best pitcher we’ve faced all season. We put some balls in play, but couldn’t find any holes in their defense.”

USA scored one run in the top of the first inning, three in the second and six in the third to lead 10-0. The Patriots added three more runs in the fifth inning for the final margin. Gabrielle Krumm was 3-for-4 and had a double and four RBIs, while Rylie Betson had two hits and three RBI and Harris had two hits and two RBI for the Patriots (31-8).

Pickford’s lone hit came from Finley Hudecek, who singled in the fifth inning. 

Hudecek pitched the distance, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits, while striking out three and walking seven over five innings. 

Pickford won District 100 at Newberry, Regional 25 at Norway, and outlasted Hillman in the quarterfinals in Sault Ste. Marie along the tournament trail to the Final Four. 

“It all went by pretty fast,” coach Hudecek said. “Our goal from the start was to win the district. A lot of very good teams don’t get out of the district, so we never looked too far ahead. After winning district we talked a lot about playing ‘bonus softball’ and just tried to stay loose and enjoy every game.

“The girls had fun all along the way,” Hudecek said. “Losing still hurts, and they were a little down after the semifinal. But we are proud of what this team accomplished. It’s a great group and I feel fortunate to have coached them.”

Pickford’s seniors include Kennedy Guild, Lizzie Storey, Lucy Bennin, Morgan Fox and Ahna Prucha.

USA went on to defeat Ottawa Lake Whiteford 4-1 in the Division 4 state championship game Saturday. The Patriots won their third straight state title and fifth in the last seven years.

Contact Sports Editor Rob Roos at rroos@sooeveningnews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @rroosTEN.