North Farmington Takes Two From Lake Orion

Coach Dave Brubaker didn’t want to give up what he thinks his team can improve, but that might be because it is hard to find a weakness.

The softball team took two from Lake Orion in a division doubleheader, Wednesday. The Raiders won the first game 7-0 and the second 4-1.

These wins will put the Raiders at 19-2 for the season, and Lake Orion at 18-5. Brubaker said the team is in prime position to decide its own fate.

“We’re in control of our own destiny,” Brubaker said. “We want to get to the big show this year, because I think we’ve got the kind of team that, number one should be able to get there, and number two, these girls have worked hard, so they deserve to get there.”

Several great plays in the field made the pitchers' jobs easier. A diving catch by the left fielder Kaitlyn Kendall ended the fourth inning. Third baseman Amelia Mittelbrun also ended an inning on a diving grab.

Katy Severson pitched the first game of the day. The junior landed eight strikeouts and allowed just four hits. She said that great plays on defense boost the team morale in the dugout.

“When people make plays like that, it shows the other teammates that they are willing to do this for each other,” Severson said. “Plays like that are really crucial for pumping us up.”

Senior Makenzie Coulter was in the circle for North Farmington in the second game. Coulter struck out three batters and allowed only two hits. Brubaker said that Coulter’s strikeouts came at critical points in the game.

“It’s up to them,” Brubaker said with a fist bump to a smiling Coulter. “All I can do is stand out there and give them signals. They’ve got to still hit it and pitch it and catch it right?”

Coulter had an impressive defensive play in the final inning. She stuck a quick glove out to catch a bunt before it hit the ground. She appreciates the effort of her teammates to accompany her pitching.

“It helps to have a good defense behind you,” Coulter said.

Severson is encouraged that she and her teammates can make their goal of a championship happen. The Raiders are leading the Oakland Activities Association Red Division.

 “The more times we play together, the better we get,” Severson said. “Everybody working together through tough games, I think it just shows us how good we can be.”

The Raiders will be back in action this weekend at the Madonna Tournament at the Canton Softball Complex. Games start Saturday at 8:30 am.