SAULT STE. MARIE----The Escanaba Eskymos have come "oh so close", so many times over the past seven years in the softball district playoffs.
They've had high-scoring games. They've had low-scoring games. They've had extra inning games. But the Eskymos were never able to take that big step and bring back a trophy. Until now.
The Eskymos used good pitching from Codi Jenshak, strong defense from the entire team, and just enough hitting to win a Division Two district championship Monday in Sault Ste. Marie. Escanaba started the day by beating Petoskey, 2-1, and then won the championship with a nailbiting 2-0 win over the Cheboygan Chiefs.
"I'm really happy for the kids," an emotional Eskymo Head Coach John LaMarch said. "We're excited. The kids worked long and hard for this. We had some good fortune go our way.
"But I believe the kids on the bench really lifted the rest of the kids, too."
"It's just a good day to be an Eskymo," Jenshak said. "It's super-exciting to be here and to get a 'W' in the championhip game."
The championship game was scoreless until the fourth inning, when the Eskymos managed to push across a run. Then the Eskymos scratched out another run in the sixth inning, then had to hang on in the bottom of the sixth when Cheboygan got two on with no outs.
Jenshak worked through it, with the help of third baseman Braedyn Bosilovatz.
"That's why you win championships, making plays like that," LaMarch said. "Braedyn didn't catch it, but it was a super play at third base. She had the 'heads up' to go back to third base and get the second out. Everyone can take a deep breath then."
"My defense played great all day," Jenshak said. "We had a lot of super plays. It really helped me pitching. And I was just keeping batters on their toes and making them hit my pitch."
Earlier, against Petoskey, the Eskymos scored two runs in the second inning to break a scoreless tie. Then the girls had to hang on at the end when the Northmen scored in the sixth inning to make it a one-run game.
But Jenshak would not allow any more runs.
"Codi pitched marvelous all day," LaMarch said. "She moves the ball in and out, and she doesn't too many get good swings on her. That's what good control can do for you."
And so now, the Eskymos (23-14) will go to the regional tournament in West Branch.
"It was a long time coming," LaMarch smiled.
Escanaba will face Howard City Tri-County in the semifinal at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Click the thumbnails in the "ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS" box to watch videos, see more pictures, and listen to interviews with LaMarch and Jenshak.
They've had high-scoring games. They've had low-scoring games. They've had extra inning games. But the Eskymos were never able to take that big step and bring back a trophy. Until now.
Eskymo Jen Koish heads to first base.
"I'm really happy for the kids," an emotional Eskymo Head Coach John LaMarch said. "We're excited. The kids worked long and hard for this. We had some good fortune go our way.
"But I believe the kids on the bench really lifted the rest of the kids, too."
"It's just a good day to be an Eskymo," Jenshak said. "It's super-exciting to be here and to get a 'W' in the championhip game."
Eskymos Get Their Championship Trophy
Jenshak worked through it, with the help of third baseman Braedyn Bosilovatz.
"That's why you win championships, making plays like that," LaMarch said. "Braedyn didn't catch it, but it was a super play at third base. She had the 'heads up' to go back to third base and get the second out. Everyone can take a deep breath then."
Eskymo pitcher Codi Jenshak was in control.
Earlier, against Petoskey, the Eskymos scored two runs in the second inning to break a scoreless tie. Then the girls had to hang on at the end when the Northmen scored in the sixth inning to make it a one-run game.
But Jenshak would not allow any more runs.
"Codi pitched marvelous all day," LaMarch said. "She moves the ball in and out, and she doesn't too many get good swings on her. That's what good control can do for you."
And so now, the Eskymos (23-14) will go to the regional tournament in West Branch.
John LaMarch Post-Game Interview.
Escanaba will face Howard City Tri-County in the semifinal at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Click the thumbnails in the "ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS" box to watch videos, see more pictures, and listen to interviews with LaMarch and Jenshak.
