Three Local Teams Advance to State Softball Quarterfinals

Airport, Whiteford, and Summerfield have all secured their places in the state softball quarterfinals after clinching regional titles on Saturday, June 6. Their impressive performances mark a significant milestone in the state tournament journey.

In Division 2, Airport triumphed over Huron League rival Milan to claim the championship at Fowlerville. The Jets, who returned nearly their entire lineup from last year’s team that narrowly missed the state finals, showcased their determination. “That’s the funny thing about this team,” said Airport coach Jess Irwin. “We have such great leadership. They just stay steady.” After defeating Chelsea 7-2 in the semifinals, the Jets went on to beat Milan 11-4, continuing their winning streak.

Looking ahead, Airport, boasting a 35-5 record, will face Farmington Hills Mercy in the quarterfinals at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at Ypsilanti Lincoln. The team’s success has been bolstered by standout performances from pitchers Brooklyn Martin and Julia Dyson, along with key hitters like Brityn Duffy and Peyton Zajac.

Whiteford also celebrated a Division 3 title at Wixom St. Catherine, while Summerfield emerged as champions in the Division 4 tournament held at Dansville. Both teams will seek to continue their successful runs as they approach the state quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Milan's season concluded with a semifinal loss despite a commendable effort, finishing with a 15-13 record under first-year coach Micah Higa. The team showcased resilience throughout the season, highlighted by a thrilling 19-8 victory over Jackson Parma County Western in the semifinals.