Rain Fails to Dampen Hartland's Spirit on Softball Senior Night

As much as the girls on the Hartland High School softball team wanted the rain to stop on Wednesday afternoon, Mother Nature had other ideas.

The Eagles still made the best of a soggy afternoon, both on the field and later in the high school cafeteria.

Hartland is seeking a Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division title and needs to win just one of two games against Grand Blanc to secure the championship.

“The only good thing is we’re up 5-0 with bases loaded and that’s a good place to pick it up on Saturday,” Hartland coach Carl Gabrielson said. “It’s unfortunate for Grand Blanc, but it’s fortunate for us.”

Led by Shelby Hard’s two-run home run, the Eagles jumped out to the 5-0 lead and were still threatening in the second inning when the game was called. Things will pick up where they left off at 3 p.m. Saturday.

It was Senior Night for the Eagles and rather than put off the ceremony, the food was hauled up to the high school cafeteria and players pulled off wet socks and shoes while waiting for everything to get set up.

“The game was fun in the rain anyway,” senior Laura Oliver said.

After everyone had something to eat and got warmed up, the three seniors — Katie Tackett, Kayla Gustitus and Oliver — were honored by their teammates and coach.

“I thought Senior Night was going to be ruined, but it turned out nice,” said Tackett, who’ll be attending Oakland Community College. “This means a lot. I just came to realize that I’ll never step on the home field again after Saturday.”

“It’s kind of the end of one story and the beginning of another,” said Oliver, who is going to Michigan State University.

As far as their quest for a KLAA West title being postponed until Saturday, the Eagles weren’t all that distraught.

“I felt like playing today,” said Gustitus, who’s going to Albion. “But we’ll be fine Saturday. We were hitting the ball and we’ll pick it back up.”

The Eagles will be able to take their minds off softball at least on Friday.

“We’ll have a light practice tomorrow and they’ll have Friday off for prom,” Gabrielson said. “They’ve been prepared for this all season. They want this championship.”