Jason Gyolai doesn’t know the last time Gibraltar Carlson’s softball team won a district championship.
“It was before I started coaching,” said the fourth-year coach.
Gyolai doesn’t know much about the teams his Marauders will face in the Division 1 regional at Bedford on Saturday, June 6, either.
But he knows Carlson is facing a major challenge.
“You don’t have to look very far down the D1 rankings to find them,” he said.
Carlson heads into regional action Saturday along with Airport, Milan, Whiteford and Summerfield.
DIVISION 1 AT BEDFORD
Carlson takes on No. 4 Northville in the regional opener at 10 a.m.
A win in that game would likely earn the Marauders a date with No. 3 Saline in the 2 p.m. finals.
Saline plays Livonia Churchill in the second semifinal.
“We don’t get to see the teams in our regional very often,” Gyolai said. “Saline, Churchill, and Northville are obviously very good teams.”
Carlson needs to maintain the momentum it gained with wins over Woodhaven and Bedford Saturday.
“We will look to follow the formula that got us here,” Gyolai said. “Treat every game the same: bring energy, make our plays on defense, and put pressure on theirs. Play for each other and have fun.”
DIVISION 2 AT FOWLERVILLE
Huron League foes Airport and Milan could end up meeting in the finals.
Airport, which made it to the state semifinals last spring, opens at 10 a.m. against Chelsea. The second semifinal features Milan and Jackson County Parma Western.
“Airport is the favorite heading into the regional,” Milan coach Micah Higa said. “They’ve shown a strong offense and defense all season long and have dominated our league from start to finish.”
That being said, Higa’s 14-12 team would love another shot at the Jets.
“The biggest keys for us will be consistency both offensively and defensively,” she said. “At the plate, we need to make adjustments quickly and put together competitive at-bats throughout the game. Defensively, we need to stay fundamentally sound and make the routine plays so our pitchers can trust the defense behind them and focus on attacking hitters.”
Airport coach Jessica Irwin isn’t shying away from being labeled the favorite. Her Jets are the only ranked team in the field at No. 5 in the state and carry a 33-5 record.
“We have to stay consistent with what we have done all year long,” she said. “We have kids in all 9 positions that don’t only make the routine plays, but take away hits from other teams.
“At the plate we have been very disciplined in attacking strikes and have found a way to put pressure on other teams with our speed. In the circle, all three of our kids have complimented each other well and been ready when their numbers are called. If we play to our best ability, we are a tough team to beat.”
DIVISION 3 AT WIXOM ST. CATHERINE
There are no ranked teams in the field, but Whiteford did receive honorable mention in the final state coaches’ poll.
“It’s always one pitch and one play at a time, regardless of our opponent,” Whiteford coach Matt VanBrandt said. “We don’t look past anyone.”
Regional play begins with Plymouth Christian taking on Detroit Cristo Rey at 10 a.m. Whiteford will take on Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in the second semifinal.
“I’m sure many people expect to see Plymouth Christian and Whiteford in the finals, but we will focus on our effort and attitude beginning with the first pitch vs Liggett,” VanBrandt said.
Whiteford stands at 21-11.
“Our pitchers need to continue to pound the strike zone, defensively we need to continue to make the routine plays, and offensively we will attack early and swing with intent,” VanBrandt said.
DIVISION 4 AT DANSVILLE
There are no state-ranked teams in the field, but Summerfield coach Christine Zappone lists host Dansville as the favorite.
Summerfield (18-12) begins play at 10 a.m. against Reading. Dansville plays Hudson in the second semifinal.
“The key for us will be playing solid defense, getting quality at-bats throughout the lineup, and staying composed in big moments,” Zappone said. “Our team has shown resilience all season and well need everyone contributing if we want to keep our season going.”
Keeping the season going would be a big lift for the third-year coach and her team.
“It has been quite some time since our program won a regional, which makes this opportunity even more exciting for our players, coaches and community,” Zappone said.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Five Monroe County Region teams ready for softball regionals
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Niles Kruger, The Monroe News | USA TODAY Network
