Lutheran North rallies for second CHSL title in three years

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb Lutheran North knew what it felt like to win a Catholic High School League championship, but it also knew what it felt like to fall short.

At the University of Detroit-Mercy’s Buysse Ballpark on May 24, Lutheran North edged Wixom St. Catherine 6-5 in a seventh-inning comeback to win its second CHSL title in three years.

After holding the trophy in 2019 for the first time in school history, an unbeaten Lutheran North was bested in the CHSL championship by University Liggett School to miss out on back-to-back titles.

As an unbeaten Lutheran North team faced St. Catherine in the CHSL Cardinal championship game, it was determined and prepared when adversity hit.

“What happened last year was long gone,” Lutheran North coach Duane Anger said. “Let’s keep our focus on this game, relax and play the best you can.”

Down 5-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Lutheran North was faced with the toughest obstacle yet in its season. Luckily, the players knew exactly what needed to be done.

“I told them, ‘Listen, you guys are going to win this ball game, but you’re going to have to believe that yourself,’” Anger said.

When Anger needed his senior leaders to step up, they did just that. A leadoff single by senior Cecilia Schihl and double by senior Emma Shannon would get the rally going, but an error followed up with an RBI single by senior Anna Brouilette would set Lutheran North up for a potential walk-off.

With the bases loaded and one out, freshman Katie Martin drew the game-winning walk to claim the CHSL championship and help Lutheran North remain unbeaten.

“Last year, when I was on the team, we lost in the Catholic League championship, so I think that was a driving factor,” Schihl said. “We wanted to make sure we got to that point again and win it this year.”

Schihl provided a strong effort on the mound, striking out nine to pick up the win while getting the job done offensively, as well.

Anger said Schihl has been the anchor of North’s pitching this season.

“She’s really led the staff,” Schihl said. “She’s been pitching for me since she was a freshman.”

Schihl, who batted .435 with 32 RBIs this year, put North on the board in the first inning with an RBI groundout. Shannon and sophomore Sophia Heidrich tallied RBI singles early to give North a 3-0 lead out the gate.

After North and St. Catherine traded shutout innings, St. Catherine freshman Soseh Broglin launched a home run to lead off the fourth inning. Katie Hans and Rachel Tura provided RBI singles to give St. Catherine a 4-3 lead.

St. Catherine’s Frankie Ventura provided insurance with a seventh-inning solo home run.

North had the heart of its lineup in the seventh inning to propel it to the victory.

As North (27-1) moves on to districts, it has the chance to make a historic run. Lutheran North made it to the quarterfinals in 2002, making it the highest placement in school history.

Lutheran North outscored its opponents 36-9 to win the District 57 championship and continue its run at the state finals. A balanced attack on both sides of the diamond continues to be the driving force for North heading into regionals.

A key addition on the offensive side for North has been junior Alivia Peterson. Peterson, who came to North this year after moving from Canada, has hit .416 with five home runs this season.

Peterson said her ability to bond with the team has made the transition easier.

“I don’t really see my parents that often, but I guess friends like Cece [Cecilia], she makes it good,” Peterson said. “I didn’t really like coming to school at first, but after tryouts happened, I really bonded with the team, so now I really enjoy coming to school now actually.”

Its pitching staff has been consistently impressive this year as a group headlined by Schihl introduced freshmen Elizabeth Jones, Claire Shannon and Elise Mantay.

Anger said their additions have been a vital part to the team’s success.

“We were very fortunate we had them available,” Anger said. “We would’ve been in trouble.”

Lutheran North will open regional play against St. Clair High School at Detroit Country Day High School on June 11. First pitch is scheduled for noon.