Maleena Luckadoo powers Hamilton softball into postseason after record power surge
Three home runs in one game, including a grand slam, put Hamilton softball's Maleena Luckadoo into the MHSAA record books.
HAMILTON - The first time Maleena Luckadoo launched a ball over the fence, she barely had time to comprehend what it meant. She was a freshman and the home run in the seventh inning of a tied regional semifinal game sent Hamilton to the regional final in thrilling fashion. "The story goes back to her freshman year when she had never hit a home run and then she hit one to advance us at regionals.
The moment was big, but she didn't know it because she was a freshman. As we have progressed, the moment is just a moment. She doesn't get too high or too low.
Her swing is on plane and it is not a surprise that she hits the ball hard," Hamilton coach Mark Behnke said. "Those home runs weren't barely over the fence, they were bombs. She has a classic swing and turns the ball around pretty quick.
" Luckadoo has continued that trend of late-season power surges into her senior year, where she has played mostly first base, after playing the outfield, shortstop and second base. With a week remaining in the regular season, Luckadoo has regained her power stroke, launching five home runs in the past week, including three in one game. "It really solidified my place on that team and that was really amazing," Luckadoo said about her regional heroics as a freshman.