Sacred Heart Standout Goes National
July 30, 2012
Sara Hansen put together one of the best softball seasons in MHSAA history this spring.
And here's the most incredible part -- she's still got two more high school seasons to play.
Yes, the Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart shortstop was only a sophomore in leading her team to the Division 4 Semifinals at Bailey Park. Along the way, she had at least one hit in every game this season, set two MHSAA records and tied a national record.
Hansen hit .633 with 39 RBI and 33 stolen bases in the lead-off spot for the Irish, who made their deepest tournament run since 1994. She'll carry a 56-game hitting streak -- dating back to May of her freshman year -- into next season when it begins in March.
We caught up with Hansen last week while the National Federation of State High School Associations was putting the finishing touches on her national record book entries. Click to read our Q&A.
Also, click for the mention of her accomplishments from the National Federation of State High School Associations.
PHOTO: Sacred Heart's Anna Hansen was 3 for 5 with two runs scored in the Irish's 7-3 nine-inning Semifinal loss to Petersburg-Summerfield on June 15. (Click to see more photos at HighSchoolsSportsScene.com.)
D2 Softball Final: The Legend of Hayes
June 16, 2012
BATTLE CREEK – The legend of Livonia Ladywood sophomore Lauren Hayes sprouted with two outs left in Friday’s Division 2 Semifinal at Bailey Park.
It grew exponentially in Saturday’s championship game.
Coming in for injured four-year pitcher Briana Combs and needing two outs Friday against Wayland Union, Hayes got two strikeouts. And in the Final, with Combs unable to throw due to a left knee injury, Hayes tossed a three-hitter to lead the Blazers to a 4-0 win over Saginaw Swan Valley and their first MHSAA title.
Hayes also had three hits and two RBI leading off for Ladywood, which finished 39-3 and entered the tournament ranked No. 2. Junior third baseman Celeste Fidge also played a big part, driving in two runs.
Swan Valley entered the tournament ranked No. 3 and got one more impressive pitching performance from senior Mackenzie Boehler, who gave up only two earned runs.
The Vikings finished 39-3. Click for a full box score.