Softball fans, get ready for an electrifying showdown at Ranney Park! Reigning champion Lansing Catholic is set to defend its title when the annual Softball Classic kicks off on Monday, May 18. After snapping a 31-year championship drought last spring, the Cougars have their eyes locked on a repeat performance.
This year's tournament brings together eight powerhouse teams, headlined by the Division 3 No. 9-ranked Lansing Catholic, who are also CAAC White co-champions. They'll be joined by a stellar lineup including DeWitt, Eaton Rapids, Fowler, Fowlerville, Grand Ledge, Holt, and Laingsburg.
Grand Ledge enters the tournament fresh off a runner-up finish in 2025 and carries honorable mention status in the latest Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association poll. The Comets, who dominated the CAAC Blue with a 9-1 record, are no strangers to the winner's circle, having claimed the Softball Classic crown in 2024.
State-ranked teams add extra firepower to the field. Laingsburg sits at No. 6 in Division 3, while Fowler holds the No. 8 spot in Division 4. Both teams have been formidable in league play, with Fowler posting a 12-2 record in the CMAC and Laingsburg close behind at 11-3.
Holt made a strong push as the CAAC Blue runner-up with an 8-2 record, splitting league doubleheaders with both DeWitt and Grand Ledge. Meanwhile, DeWitt secured third place in the CAAC Blue at 7-3, proving they're a team to watch. Fowlerville claimed the CAAC Red title with an impressive 9-1 record, highlighted by a key doubleheader split with Mason on May 12.
The action kicks off with quarterfinal matchups on May 18: Eaton Rapids takes on Grand Ledge at 6 p.m., followed by Laingsburg vs. Fowler. The excitement continues Tuesday, May 19, with DeWitt facing Holt at 6 p.m., and the defending champion Lansing Catholic battling it out against Fowler.
Semifinals are set for Wednesday, May 20, leading up to the championship game on Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. With so much talent on the diamond, this year's Softball Classic promises to be a must-see event for every sports enthusiast.