Lansing Catholic, Grand Ledge earn rematch in Softball Classic final

LANSING — It didn't come easy. But Division 3 No. 9-ranked Lansing Catholic has given itself a shot at a repeat at the Greater Lansing Hall of Fame Softball Classic.

Alyssa LaConte delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning to help the Cougars rally to an 8-5 victory over DeWitt in a semifinal Thursday, May 21 at Ranney Park. The win sets up for Lansing Catholic a rematch with Grand Ledge in the championship game Friday, May 22. "It's unbelievable,, especially to do it in this style," Lansing Catholic coach Amy Poljan said.

"I had hoped they had it in them and they did have it in them and I was proud of them. They found some grit in them that you always hope you have. You just hope you can get it out of yourself when it comes.

" Zoey Gruber had another big performance while helping the Cougars score a combined six runs in the seventh and eighth innings as they overcame a 5-1 deficit. Gruber had a key two-run home run on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the top of the seventh that helped force extra innings. She also was also the winning pitcher and kept DeWitt off the scoreboard in the seventh and eighth.