Tagged: Lake Superior State University
The Grand Finale’
LSSU Lakers vs Tiffin Dragons (NCAA)
Locey Field-Sault Ste Marie, MI: Going into the weekend, we knew this would probably be our last chance to see the Laker softball team play. What I didn’t expect, is the school making the decision to cancel the softball program entirely after this season, and that is as of last weekend. I do feel that we were fortunate, however, to witness the final games of the program.
Game one was a tough loss for the Lakers. Down four zip, the girls stormed back to tie the game in the sixth. The rally started when Soo native Jenna Holt hit a double to the wall, scoring Lindsey Pajot and Carly Banchiu. Alyssa Boucher then scored on a wild pitch, cutting the lead to one. Kylie Durre then tied the game by surviving a tough pickle situation. Boucher took the circle at the top of seven, but game up the game-winning home run. FINAL Game 1: LSSU 4, TU 5.
Between games, the Laker mascot Seamore the Seaduck was on hand to entertain the crowd. Of course, Brian had to get one last photo with him.
Brian and Seamore the Seaduck
On to game number two, the final game in the history of the LSSU softball program. With the Dragons up 2-0, catcher Katie Martin hit an RBI single to cut the lead to one. That would be all the Lakers got for a few innings, though, as Tiffin racked up a few more. Kylie Durre hit a dinger in the sixth, and Banchiu added an RBI single in the seventh, but it was too little, too late, and that’s all she wrote for Laker softball. FINAL Game 2: LSSU 3, TU 7.
It was sad to watch that final out, and the girls were obviously very emotional. The program has been very good to us over the years, with Lily, Trevor, and Brian all participating in their camps and clinics. We in turn have supported the team the best we can. Now, as we move on as a family, these girls must now do the same, especially the younger classes that will have to find a new team to play for. So, as this door closes, new ones are now opening for all of us…
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
The first in Four
LSSU Lakers vs Ohio Dominican (NCAA)
Locey Field-Sault Ste Marie, MI: Last weekend the Lake Superior State Lakers played their first home game in four seasons. With our impending move, it was good to see a game, and get distracted from life. It was a little cool, as it usually is up here, but the sun was shining and the field was in good shape.
The Lakers took on Ohio Dominican in a double header. In game one, Riley Durbano took the loss in the circle, pitching all seven innings and striking out two. The Lakers were led offensively by Katey Hendershott who went 2-3. Lindsay Pajot added a double, Taylor Steinhelper had a single, stolen base, and run scored, while Teryn Williams and Carly Banchiu added an RBI each. Lake Superior scored three runs in the first inning, but couldn’t push anything else across after that. FINAL Game 1: LSSU 3, ODU 6.
In the second game, it was the Panthers who jumped out to a lead, but they never relinquished it. Pajot had two of the three Laker RBI’s in the loss. Kylie Durre drove in Hendershott for the other Laker run. Freshman Alyssa Thayer pitched a complete three strikeout game in the loss. FINAL Game 2: LSSU 3, ODU 7.
Despite the scores, it was a fun day of softball. Brian being buddies with most of the girls, served as their batboy for a game, also!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Little Lakers Clinic #1
Lake Superior State University-Sault Ste. Marie, MI: This week Brian was lucky enough to take part in a clinic hosted by the Lake Superior State softball team. Since we don’t have a baseball team up here, the girls are gracious enough to invite the boys to join in, and get taught all aspects of the game. He had a chance to show off his batting skills in the cage, and really stroked the ball well. He also was given good instruction on his throwing and catching mechanics, which is something he needed. Brian was also given the chance to break in his new catchers gear that he got for his birthday. He had a lot of fun and was able to learn some new techniques to help out his game. The players area always really nice to him and he loves spending time with his ‘friends’. The Lakers will be having two more clinics in both February and March that he plans to attend.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Little Lakers skills camp
Over the weekend the kids participated in the Little Lakers skills camp and Parents Night Out on the campus of Lake Superior State University. It was a chance for the kids to learn more baseball and softball, and for us parents to get a break for a few hours, too. The Laker softball team ran the kids threw some drills, played games, and fed them some pizza. Even though I was supposed to go out and get some ‘me’ time, I only stayed away for an hour or two before checking up on the kiddoes. They broke up the girls into about three groups, but there was only five boys, so Trevor was in a group with Brian and a few other little ones. I was able to get a few pics of them doing some drills and games, but the Student Activities Center still is so dark. They all had a good time, though, and got a good workout in. The players and coaches always work really well with the kids during the camps. I hope the team holds more during the winter.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Lakers’ free & fun basic skills clinic
Lake Superior State University-Sault Ste. Marie, MI: Over the weekend Brian participated in the fun free baseball/softball clinic held at LSSU. The clinic was hosted and ran by the girls’ softball team, and they did a great job with the kids. Brian was a little shy with the girls at first, but warmed up when they offered to play catch with him. He did great from there with the drills and games that were played. He hit the ball well off the tee, and in soft-toss. I really saw an improvement with him catching the ball and he’s always had a cannon for an arm. The lady Lakers will be holding another clinic next weekend, this time with more games and pizza for the kids. With the weather cold, rainy, and snowy, I’m grateful the kids have this to look forward too, and a chance to stay active. It’s tough living up here at times with our nasty winters, as they’re obviously not very baseball friendly. The camps are held in the Student Activities Center at the college, which continues to be my Achilles’ heel when it comes to taken decent photos.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Fall Ball at Lake State
Lake Superior State Lakers vs. Cornerstone Golden Eagles
I don’t say this too often, but the weather was perfect this weekend for some softball in Sault Ste. Marie. It had been just over a month since we’d been to a live ballgame, so when I learned that the Lakers were hosting Cornerstone University for some exhibition games, they became the priority of the weekend. It was a long day for the girls, as they played three games on Saturday. Brian joined me, and we saw bits and pieces of the first and third games, but saw the second game in its entirety. Because the games were exhibitions, I couldn’t find results or box scores for any of them. I know the Lakers won the second game, though, as they hit the ball well and produced some runs. They also played solid defense behind starting pitcher sophomore Jade Stein, who pitched a complete game. Brian and I had fun watching the games, and look forward to seeing the girls back in action at home this spring if the weather cooperates.
Brian was my buddy over the weekend, watching the games with me
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Softball starts, spring is near…
There’s really no sign of spring up here in Michigan’s crazy Upper Peninsula. In fact, it seems that there is even more snow, cold, and wind than ever. Things will be heating up for the Lake Superior State Lakers softball team, however, as they start their season today in the Superior Dome over in Marquette. The girls play three game today, taking on Lakeland, Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and Wisconsin-Superior. Good luck to the girls this weekend, and all season long. Their season actually kicked off last weekend, though, with the annual ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’ spaghetti dinner. There was fun and games, and the kids were thrilled that they won two of the raffles. They won a movie package that included, movie passes, popcorn and candy, along with different popcorn seasoning. Also includes some free movie rentals. The other raffle we won was a cooler, beach towels, beach toys, water bottles, and sun screen. Uh…we’ll have to put that one up on the shelf for a few months, but very thankful that we got lucky. And all the money for the tickets goes to the softball team, so it’s a good cause. Brian had a good time showing off his throwing arm and playing with the balloons. Lily and Trevor drew pictures for the girls on the paper table cloths. We had a great time, but we’re sick of the snow and ready to burn the snowman, already.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Lily learns from Lady Lakers
Lily has been pretty busy with softball lately. Yes, I know it’s December, but there’s really no off-season for us. Last weekend she participated in a free clinic put on by the Lake Superior State Lakers, where she practiced all aspects of the game. Also, during the week, Lily has some hitting clinics going on. They were very productive, as she was working one-on-one with Lakers head coach Lori Shimasaki. I could really see an improvement in her hitting over the past couple of weeks. Lily had a lot of fun, which is the important thing, and the clinics may start-up again after the first of the year.
Lily flies through the air during her catching drills!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Spring is here, but the Snowman dies anyway…
This may seem like just a formality at this point, with record highs here up north in the mid 70’s, but our tradition of burning the snowman took place anyway. This is the first time I can remember us seeing this without at least having on a winter coat and hat. I’ve been taking Lily and Trevor for about six years now, and this is Brian’s second time. In all, this was the 42nd annual Burning of the Snowman and it’s always a fun way to spend the afternoon. It takes place at our local college Lake Superior State, so lots of students and town folk turn out to see the snowman burn in effigy and usher in spring. We enjoyed some hot dogs and the kids each got a free t-shirt from the radio station. Kids love getting free stuff, really, no matter what it is. The event always seems to take place when the kids have a half-day of school, so luckily we’re able to come every year. I hope this keeps winter away this year for good, though, and living in Michigan anything can happen. We’ve already been outside playing some catch, and really hope we have this kind of weather next month when we start going to the baseball games down state. While driving through the campus, I made sure to blast some Def Leppard in the Town & Country just to prove to all of the college kids just how cool I still am…and my kids think I’m embarrassing…
Photos property of M.I.B.
Lakers host Softball Banquet
The Lake Superior State softball team kicked the season off this weekend hosting their annual ‘Take Me Out To the Ball Game’ dinner. We were served burgers and hot dogs by the Lady Lakers, and the kids enjoyed cookies and cake for dessert. We made a good donation to the team as all the proceeds help fund their 18 game schedule in Florida over Spring Break. Thier first double-header is against Tampa on Feb. 26th.
We didn’t get to stay very long, do to the fact that my two-year old pitching prospect decided to start showing off his arm by tossing pieces of hot dog all over the place. My daughter was able to get her picture taken with a couple of the seniors, and felt good that a many members of the team recognized her from the clinic they put on in December. You think they would have offered her a scholarship by now…
Photos property of MIB
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