Colossal Matchup coming

On April 19th at Beaverton High School (click link for map) in Gladwin County, the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Patoit varsity softball team, currently ranked #1 in Division 3 in the latest poll, will take on the Allen Park Cabrini Monarchs, currently ranked #2 in Division 3. Cabrini, who has won the last two Division 4 state championships, is riding a 76 game winning streak, coming into the season. The Monarchs return pitcher Katie Osburn (signed with Miami of Ohio) and catcher Amanda Chidester (signed with Michigan). Osburn had an incredible 2007 campaign, allowing only 1 earned run. Yes, I did not mistype. She holds the national record. Chidester, not to be outdone, had a incredible 2007 season in her own right. She only hit .730 with 16 home runs and 90 RBIs.

Coach Lary Houthoofd and the Patroits are the 2-time defending Divison 3 state champs, and hold a 78-6 record over the last two seasons. Retuning are catcher Carly Treiber and third baseman Danielle Gremel, who both hit .400+ last year. Also, returning for the Patroits, pitcher Mrissa Lemere whose 60 mph fastball and incredible drop ball propelled the Patroits last year during the title run.

Mark Saturday April 19th on the calendar. Outside of that date the only other time these two teams could meet is the state final. Unfortunately, I have a softball tournament so I guess I will have to wait until the finals.

Update - Cabrini will be coming in Saturday's contest after suffering their first defeat in more than 2 years. On Tuesday, April 15, they lost to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 2-0.

Update 2 - At Beaverton High School this past Saturday, Allen Park Cabrini (11-1) defeated the USA Patriots 1-0. Cabrini scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the 7th inning. Cabrini moves to #1 in the current coaches poll in Division 3 and USA moves to #2 in the poll.

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