A strange but effective coin flip strategy
Before the 10U Michigan state championship final, the Emmett Township Little League softball team made an unusual decision. Normally, the winner of the coin toss would choose to be the home team. This time, the team did the opposite. After several bad luck experiences in earlier district games, the squad decided to switch things up.
Manager Matt Fahey explained that the move was driven by superstition. His team had played just one home game out of twelve in the tournament — and performed poorly. 'We ended up actually winning the coin toss and picked away — just out of superstition.'
A dramatic rally in the sixth inning
Falling behind 3-2 with only three outs remaining, the pressure was intense. But the team found its rhythm. In the top of the sixth, Emmett scored three runs, turning the tide and forcing Georgetown to mount a comeback in the bottom of the same inning.
'From being down, having to come back that inning and then having to go into the bottom of the inning to hold that lead — it was something to see. They battled their way back.'
Three years of preparation and unity
Fahey said the team had been preparing for this moment for the past three years. Through practices, lessons, and games, each player played a role. Everybody worked real hard for it.'
Fahey praised the team's unity. 'If one struck out, nobody would get mad at them. They would pick each other up, cheer each other on and get each other back on a positive path.' The squad included Katelyn Williams, Remington Joy, Briella DePrez, and Madison Onufrak, with Mike Pries and Travis Schott leading as coaches.