Hillman Tigers Capture Third Straight MHSAA D4 Regional Softball Title

ROGERS CITY — In a thrilling showdown at the MHSAA Division 4 regional softball tournament, the Hillman Tigers secured their third consecutive title with a commanding 7-1 victory over the Onaway Cardinals on Saturday, June 6.

The Tigers, who dominated their semifinal match against Pellston with a score of 16-1, faced off against Onaway, which had triumphed over Rudyard 15-1 in their own semifinal. However, Hillman's Gretchen Weiland, an Alma College softball signee, delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, striking out 13 batters and allowing only three hits throughout the game.

Coach Jason Weiland expressed his pride in the team's achievement, stating, "To do that three times in a row is quite something. We made some changes late in the season, and I think our defensive abilities became stronger. We knew having Gretchen on the mound for four years is an amazing thing, and it’s hard to brag on your own kid, but she’s a game changer."

Madelyn Oswald led the offensive charge for Hillman, going 3-for-4, while both Weiland and Peyton Szlag contributed with a hit and an RBI each. The Tigers will face Norway in a state quarterfinal match set for Tuesday, June 9, at 4:30 p.m.

Despite their loss, Onaway remained competitive against the formidable Hillman squad. After trailing 3-0, the Cardinals fought back with an RBI single from Jerzie Garms, scoring senior Carley Karsten, who ended her final game with a 2-for-3 performance. However, Hillman responded with two runs in the fifth inning, solidifying their lead.

Onaway's coach, Lonny Metty, reflected on the season, saying, "As long as we made it a game, I would consider it a win from last year. I couldn’t be prouder of them. They hit the ball really well throughout the last few weeks." Meanwhile, the Pellston Hornets also concluded their season after a tough loss to Hillman earlier in the day, marking the end of an era for several seniors.