Lady Chargers Go 1-2 at Region 12 Great Lakes District B Tournament, Finish 2026 With 35 Wins

The Edison State Lady Chargers closed out an outstanding 2026 campaign with a 35-8 overall record and a 17-3 mark in OCCAC play, advancing to the Region 12 Great Lakes District B Tournament in Findlay, Ohio. Behind explosive offense, gritty pitching, and standout individual performances, the Lady Chargers battled through three games on May 7.

Game One: Edison State 14, Mid Michigan 6

Result: Lady Chargers advance in dominant fashion

Edison State opened the tournament with a statement, erupting for 12 runs in the first inning and never looking back. The offense delivered 12 hits and 14 runs, powered by home runs from Jenna Dirksen and Izzy Holp.

Offensive Highlights

• Taylor Bauer: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 SB
• Jenna Dirksen: HR, 4 RBI
• Mackenzie Byrne: 2-for-3, 2 R, double
• Marissa Pine: 3 R, 2 H, 3 RBI
• Izzy Holp: HR, 2 RBI
• Camryn Swain: 2 SB, 1 RBI

Pitching

• Marissa Pine (W, 20-2): 3.1 IP, 6 K, 0 ER
• Zoey Hodge: 1.2 IP, 5 ER, 2 K

The early offensive explosion secured a run-rule victory and momentum heading into the winner's bracket.

Game Two: Lake Michigan 3, Edison State 2

Result: Lady Chargers fall in tight defensive battle

In a classic postseason duel, Edison State and Lake Michigan traded zeros for five innings before both teams broke through late. The Lady Chargers rallied with two sixth-inning home runs—solo shots from Dirksen and Byrne—but Lake Michigan's three-run bottom half proved decisive.

Offensive Highlights

• Dirksen: HR, RBI
• Byrne: HR, RBI
• Bauer: 1-for-3, BB

Pitching

• Pine (L, 20–3): 6.0 IP, 13 K, 3 H, 3 ER

Pine was dominant, striking out 13, but Lake Michigan capitalized on a key scoring opportunity to hand Edison State its first loss of the tournament.

Game Three: Lansing 7, Edison State 6

Result: Lady Chargers eliminated in late-inning thriller

Facing elimination, the Lady Chargers showed resilience. Lansing jumped ahead early with a six-run burst across the first two innings, but Edison State clawed back with a three-run seventh inning to bring the tying run to the plate.

Offensive Highlights

• Dirksen: 2-for-2, HR, 3 RBI
• Hodge: HR, RBI
• Byrne: 2-for-4, RBI
• Bauer: 2-for-3, 2 R, SB

Pitching

• Hodge (L, 15-5): 7.0 IP, 11 H, 5 ER

Despite the late surge, Lansing held on, ending the Lady Chargers' postseason run.

Post-Tournament Honors

• Marissa Pine was named to the Region 12 All-Tournament Team, recognizing her dominant pitching and offensive contributions.
• OCCAC postseason awards are expected to be released at the end of the week.

Season Reflection

The 2026 Lady Chargers delivered one of the strongest seasons in program history—35 wins, a 17-3 OCCAC record—this year. The team showcased elite pitching, explosive offense, and a competitive spirit that carried them deep into postseason play.

Their performance sets a strong foundation for the future of Edison State softball.