After a Strong Season, Big Reds Softball Falls in Regional Final

Competing really well throughout the Regional, the Milan Varsity Softball team saw their season come to a close in a tough loss to Airport.

In the Regionals on June 6, Milan won 19-8 over Parma Western in the semi-final and then fell 11-4 Airport in the finals.

Big Reds Coach Micah Higa said in the semifinal against Parma Western, “we put together one of our best offensive performances of the season.”

Kenzie Chrysler had a huge game driving in five runs, Georgia Linzell collected four hits, and Milan had big contributions from Mya Vance, Reese Knox, Virginia Heikka, Charleigh Meggison, Alexis Vance and Kaylin Brown. Higa said Kendyll Fell also gave us a complete-game effort in the circle.

“It was a great team win and showed the type of offense we’ve been capable of all year,” Higa said.

“We started the day with a strong win over Western in the Regional semifinal,” Higa said. “It was a long game, but our offense came through with contributions throughout the lineup. That win earned us a spot in the Regional Final against Airport.”

In the second game, Milan faced a strong Airport team and came up short.

“After a long first game, we weren’t able to string together enough timely hits and fell behind early,” Higa said. “Even so, our girls continued to battle. Reese Knox and Charleigh Meggison each had multiple hits, Mya Vance and Charleigh drove in runs, and our defense turned a double play. While we’re disappointed the season ended there, I’m proud of the effort and competitiveness our team showed throughout the day.”

Higa said they wish Airport the best moving forward.

“They’re a very talented, well-coached team that earned the win on Saturday,” said Higa. “We hope they make a deep run and continue representing our area well in the rounds ahead.”

Looking back on this season, Higa said it’s been a memorable one.

“As my first year as head coach comes to a close, I’m incredibly proud of this group,” Higa said. “This team won a District Championship, advanced to a Regional Final, and found different ways to win throughout the season. Our leaders set the tone every day, and players like Kenzie Chrysler, Kendyll Fell, Reese Knox, Georgia Linzell, Charleigh Meggison, Virginia Heikka, Alexis Vance, and so many others stepped up in big moments all year long.”

Higa said she’s also incredibly grateful for the coaching staff.

“The amount of time, preparation, and care they poured into this team played a huge role in our success,” Higa said. “Throughout the season, we had a lot of important conversations as a staff and with our players, and it was rewarding to see those lessons and adjustments carried out on the field. We faced our share of adversity along the way, but this group never splintered. The girls continued to support one another, step into bigger roles when needed, and find ways to move forward together. More than anything, they played for each other and represented Milan the best ways, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”