Freeland Softball

Freeland Girls Softball Teams
MHSAA Division 3 State Champions 2003 & 2005
The Falcons of Freeland High
School were a dominant force in Michigan high school softball with great pitching, hitting, and fielding in the early 2000s. They won the
Michigan High School Athletic Association championships
in 2003 and 2005. Those squads, sandwiched around an
aberration in 2004, reached the pinnacle of the Michigan
softball world. They learned their lessons, were made
stronger, and became a close team. When struggles came
to them, and they did, the squad was prepared to face
them head-on.
In 2003, the Freeland Varsity Softball team etched
their names in the annals of Michigan high school
sports history by clinching the MHSAA Division 3 state
championship in a thrilling 1-0 victory over Niles. Stacy
Delaney pitched a no-hitter as a sophomore. Erica O’Neil
hit in all seven playoff games and had the winning run in
a game with only two hits. Under the guidance of Coach
Dan Behmlander, the Falcons soared to a remarkable 30-2
season record, showcasing their prowess on the diamond.
The team dominated with Delaney’s exceptional 27-1 record and a staggering 0.08 ERA. Making the Division 3 All-State
team that season were Alesia Briggs and Stacy Delaney.
In 2004, although Delaney pitched a no-hitter, they lost to Goodrich on a walk, stolen base, and error to score the lone
run in the regional final. The disappointment of losing bonded the team together and strengthened their resolve to do the
little things needed to win. Going into the senior season for many players, this moment brought the team closer together.
In 2005, the Falcons once again ascended to the pinnacle of success, securing their second state title by defeating
Riverview 4-0 again led by Coach Behmlander. The team orchestrated an outstanding season, culminating in an impressive
42-3 record. During the semifinal against Mason County Central, the game stretched to 15 innings. Having an early lead
equalized in the sixth inning on an error, Delaney kept her no-hitter going into the 10th inning when Mason got their only
hit. These girls having been through the 2004 loss kept playing and kept working. In the 15th inning, the young ladies got
their payoff. Vanessa Briggs reached first base on an error, second base on a wild pitch, and third on a passed ball. Then,
Ashley Nieman got a hit to bring Briggs home for the win. The All-State selections of 2005 were Venessa Briggs, Ashley Nieman, Shanna
Miller, and Stacy Delaney. The Falcons offense dazzled with a
collective batting average of .334, amassing 403 hits, 278 RBIs, and launching 21 home runs while boasting a formidable .444
on-base percentage. On the mound, their pitching staff maintained an astonishing 0.26 ERA, tallying 600 strikeouts and an impressive 30 shutouts throughout the season. These triumphs stand as a
testament to the unwavering dedication, skill, and teamwork embodied by the Freeland Varsity Softball team during their championship campaigns of 2003 and 2005.