DeMille, McEwan Earn One Last Game On the High School Diamond

EAST LANSING – For Lauren DeMille, Wednesday’s Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Star team was a great way to cap a terrific softball career. For Hannah McEwan, it was a nice way to finish the high school chapter as she prepares to begin a new one in college.

The two recent Blissfield graduates were four-year starters on the Blissfield varsity softball team and were coached by their varsity skipper, Rich Tracy, who was selected for the all-star game. They played for “Team White” on the in the Division 3 All-Star game, and lost by a 5-4 score to “Team Red.” The eight-inning game was played at Rannehy Park in East Lansing.

DeMille started the game at second base, making three put outs. She was 0-for-2 at the plate with a hit by pitch. Her blazing speed nearly resulted in an infield hit.

Hannah McEwan rotated around the outfield, making a put out in centerfield. She held the Team Red all stars off the board while pitching in the eighth inning. At the plate, McEwan’s fourth inning single to centerfield was the first hit of the game for Team White. It also scored the team’s first run. McEwan walked in her other at bat.

McEwan and DeMille were joined by their Ida rivals, Erika Lehr, Allison Beard and Erin Mayes. Although the Royals and Blue Streaks have had epic battles over the last four years, McEwan and DeMille said they enjoyed sharing a dugout with their league foes.

“It was fun to play with our rivals,” said McEwan, “even though we’re all friends.”

Both said it was an honor to be selected for the game and both said the quality of competition was good.

After the game, DeMille was presented with a certificate designating her first-team all-state status. She said making the all-state squad was the highlight of her career.

“It’s kind of sad to know this could be the end of it all for some of us,” said DeMille, whose career could be over as she continues her academic career at Monroe County Community College.

McEwan, Blissfield’s ace in the circle for four years, has had many honors herself, earning All State honorable mention in the past. She cited the team’s run to the regionals in 2008 as a career highlight. She and DeMille also listed the 2010 LCAA title as a career highlight. McEwan will continue her career as a pitcher at Siena Heights.

“I’m really excited. I’ve talked to (Blissfield graduate and Siena Heights pitcher) Dani Bailey about it, and she told me all about the players and the coaches,” said McEwan.

Coach Tracy said he was glad to see McEwan and DeMille recognized for all their hard work over the years.

“They deserved it and I think they had a lot of fun,” said Tracy. “Hannah and Lauren, along with Kassie Sauter and Lauren Lievens and the other seniors, meant a lot to our softball program. We’re going to have a good team next season, but we’re going to miss them.”

Tracy was also selected as a coach in the game. He said it was an honor.

“There are so many great coaches in southeast Michigan alone, so when they asked me, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great honor and hopefully I can do it again in the future,” Tracy said.