Grand Ledge builds on success with first Softball Classic championship in 19 years
LANSING — Gianna Naccarato sensed the Grand Ledge softball team could accomplish big things.
With the bulk of their roster back from last season combined with the amount of work put in over the past year, Naccarato believed the Comets were bound to make some noise in Greater Lansing this spring.
They've done just that.
Grand Ledge made its first mark by capturing the outright CAAC Blue championship earlier this month. The Comets added to their success Friday by capturing the title at the Greater Lansing Hall of Fame Softball Classic.
Sophomore pitcher Tomia Geter and Naccarato played key roles as Grand Ledge claimed the championship with a 7-1 victory over Leslie in the title game at Ranney Park.
The win gave Grand Ledge its first Softball Classic championship since 2005, which is when current coach Allison Miller was playing in the program.
"It's a really big moment for us," Naccarato said. "I think it shows a lot of people that we are capable of this stuff. We always knew it, but even in our league we were doubted and we were (predicted) to place fourth and we ended up winning that. I think it shows a lot of people what we are capable of.
"It just gives us a really big boost as well as a team as a whole."
Naccarato, the No. 2 hitter, helped set the tone for Grand Ledge, hitting a solo home run to left field in the opening inning. Geter followed with a two-run home run two batters later.
"It was a huge momentum booster for us and we just carried it on throughout the whole game," Miller said.
That offense proved to be all the Comets needed as Geter fired a two-hitter in the circle and finished with eight strikeouts. Geter finished her strong outing with three strikeouts in the seventh with the clinching one sparking a celebration near home plate for Grand Ledge.
"It's something that's hard to explain," Geter said of the title. "It's so exciting, it's so emotional and it's really uplifting. It brings our confidence up so much. It's a good feeling."
More: Greater Lansing Hall of Fame Softball Classic schedule, results
Indya Fitzpatrick and Kailey Nelson also drove in runs for the Comets, who broke things open in the sixth. Fitzpatrick drove in a run when she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded before Nelson followed with a three-RBI double that put Grand Ledge in control.
Leslie, which captured its first Softball Classic title in program history last year, got its lone run on Myah Fletcher's solo home run to left field in the bottom half of the sixth.
Miller said the strong week for the Comets, who beat CAAC Red champion Williamston and Fowlerville in the earlier rounds of the Classic, has put them in a good position entering the state tournament.
"I think this is huge going into districts next week," Miller said. "We're really bringing our 'A' game and are excited for the rest of the season."
Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Grand Ledge tops defending champion Leslie for Softball Classic title
