EAST LANSING – There’s nothing like repeating as a state champion.

Just ask the Mendon softball team, which downed Brown City 6-2 to repeat in Division 4 on Saturday at Secchia Stadium.

But getting there, especially for the first time, is special, too, as Brown City learned during a first-of-its-kind season for the program.

Mendon, which won its first Finals title a year ago, got on top early against the Green Devils, scoring two runs in each of the first, second and fourth innings. The Hornets then turned things over to pitcher Rowan Allen, who allowed only three hits, walked two and struck out 14.

It was a big day for Allen after what she described as an inauspicious start.

“I didn't feel good when I woke up this morning,” she said. “But once we got to the Final, I started feeling good.”

The Hornets (32-3) were feeling better after taking a 6-0 lead. “I felt good when we were six runs up,” Mendon co-coach Steve Butler said. 

Allen contributed to the good feelings with a two-run double in the second inning. She went 2-for-2 at the plate and scored three runs. 

Brown City made a bid in the seventh inning, scoring a pair of runs before Allen got out of trouble with a final strikeout.

For the Green Devils, it was a season to savor. They had never gotten past the Regional rounds before.

“Last year, we didn’t have Maddie,” Brown City coach Scott Parr said, referring to senior pitcher Maddie Hohne, who missed last season with an injury. “That kid is tough. It’s going to be tough to replace her.”

Hohne struck out 10 for Brown City (26-12).

Mendon will need to replace Allen, too. She kept the Green Devils at bay. 

“She has a phenomenal changeup,” Hohne said.

After Brown City scored in the seventh inning, Allen put the final touches on a repeat title.

“I knew I had to buckle down,” Allen said. “I knew I couldn’t give up. My defense was behind me. I just had to finish.”

Senior shortstop Jadyn Samson also had two hits and scored three runs, and senior center fielder Taya Bingaman had two hits and drove in a run. Senior catcher Cienna Nightingale also drove in a run; those three and Allen were the team’s only returning starters from a year ago.

Click for the full box score.

PHOTOS (Top) Mendon’s Rowan Allen (33), Brynley Jungers (12) and Brooke Gerth (6) get ready to start an inning Saturday at Secchia Stadium. (Middle) Jadyn Samson (15) rounds third base as her coach signals her home.