Revenge game at Regionals: Grand Blanc vs. Alpena

ALPENA, Mich. — The Alpena Wildcats softball team advanced to regionals after taking down Traverse City Central at districts. In softball Alpena holds a dynasty, winning the Big North Conference nine years in a row. The Wildcats won the regional final in 2018, and they look to do it again.

Up first, Alpena will take on Grand Blanc in the semifinals for a revenge game. The Bobcats defeated the Wildcats on Saturday, May 11th at Alpena’s tournament 2-0. Both teams battled on the mound. Grand Blanc’s Kendall Klochak and Alpena’s Emma Fraser combined to allow just seven hits while striking out 20 batters. Wildcat Head Coach Paul Marwede has prepared the team to battle Klochak.

“It’s just more being selective,” said junior catcher Allie Funk. “If it starts at your hands just know it’s going to keep going up, and not go for it.”

A victory for Alpena would pit them up against Bay City Western or Swartz Creek for the regional final. The Wildcats and Bay City Western met up in 2018’s final, and Alpena came out on top 5-4 in in nine innings.

Playoff Schedule
6/8/19 (Saginaw Valley State University)
– Regional Semifinal: Grand Blanc vs. Alpena at 12 p.m.
-Regional Final: Winner vs. Bay City Western or Swartz Creek at 2 p.m.
6/11/19 (Central Michigan University)
– State Quarterfinal at 1 p.m.
6/13/19 – 6/15/19 (Michigan State University
-State Semifinals and Finals TBA