Clinton Varsity Redwolves Battle Chelsea in Competitive Doubleheader Split
Posted on 05/08/2025
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves showcased grit and resilience in a two-game showdown against the Chelsea Varsity Bulldogs on Thursday, dropping the first game 7-3 before bouncing back for a thrilling 7-5 extra-inning win in the nightcap.
In Game 1, Clinton faced a powerful Chelsea offense that surged in the fourth inning with six runs on four hits. Despite the early deficit, the Redwolves battled to the end. Ashlynn Benschoter recorded four strikeouts over 3.1 innings, while Raven Aldridge, Taryn Hernandez, and Calli Kruger each notched a hit. Hernandez and Kruger drove in Clinton’s runs, and the defense held strong after the fourth inning to limit further damage.
Clinton regrouped in Game 2, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that extended to nine innings. The Redwolves answered an early Chelsea lead in the fourth with clutch at-bats from Lola Szczesniak and aggressive base running to go up 3-2. After Chelsea tied it twice — in the seventh and again in the eighth — Clinton sealed the win in the ninth with key contributions from Aldridge, Cora Harsh, and Kruger. Hernandez pitched a complete game, scattering 12 hits over nine innings and limiting Chelsea to just three earned runs.
Offensively, Clinton saw production up and down the lineup. Szczesniak, Sposite, Preston, Ormsby, Aldridge, Hernandez, and Harsh each tallied hits. Six different players drove in runs, showing the depth of the Redwolves’ offense.
The Redwolves continue their season at home on Friday as they take on Onsted, building on the momentum of a strong team performance and hard-fought split on the road.
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Hernandez Shines as Clinton Splits Doubleheader with Northwest
Posted on 04/24/2025 | Lisa Roberts
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves split a Thursday doubleheader with Jackson Northwest, falling 8-5 in Game 1 before bouncing back with a dominant 13-2 victory in Game 2. Senior Taryn Hernandez was electric on both sides of the ball, going 3-for-3 at the plate in the second game and striking out nine in four shutout innings to lead the Redwolves to a convincing win.
In the opener, Clinton struck first in the second inning behind RBI singles from Lydia Ormsby and Calli Kruger. But Northwest surged ahead with a grand slam from S. Christner in the third, putting the Mounties up 4-2. Raven Aldridge chipped in with a solo homer in the sixth, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Ormsby paced the offense with two hits and two RBIs, while Brenna Broman was strong in relief, striking out six over 3.2 innings.
Game 2 was all Redwolves. After Northwest grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first, Hernandez answered with a towering home run to left field to tie things up. Clinton never looked back, stringing together 13 hits in the game. Hernandez was unstoppable at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with a homer and two singles, while also scoring twice and driving in two.
In the circle, Hernandez was just as dominant, allowing only one hit and no runs across four innings, striking out nine and walking just one to earn the win. Clinton's offense was equally impressive, with Raven Aldridge and Cora Harsh also collecting two RBIs each. The Redwolves showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks, and were aggressive on the base paths with five stolen bases, including two from Annabell Preston.
The Redwolves continue to show flashes of their potential and will look to carry the momentum from Game 2 into upcoming matchups.
Clinton Redwolves Sweep Dundee in Thrilling Two-Game Series, Capped by Ormsby Walk-Off and Power Surge at the Plate
Posted on 04/16/2025
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves put on a show Tuesday night, sweeping a doubleheader against LCAA league rival Dundee with a mix of offensive fireworks and clutch pitching. Game one saw Clinton dominate with a 20-0 mercy-rule rout, but it was game two that had fans on their feet, as Lydia Ormsby delivered a walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to seal a dramatic 5-4 comeback.
Game 1: Redwolves Explode for 20 Runs Behind Aldridge’s Monster Night
The opener was a slugfest from the very first inning, as Clinton exploded for 15 runs in the first alone. Leading the offensive onslaught was Raven Aldridge, who crushed two home runs and racked up seven RBIs in the game. Her first blast came in the first inning—a three-run rocket to right field. She followed it up in the second with another shot to center, scoring three more.
Lola Szczesniak added her own two-run homer in the first, setting the tone early and adding to a line-up-wide barrage of hits. Clinton totaled 19 hits in the game, including doubles from Annabell Preston, Lydia Ormsby, Kylinn Long, and Brenna Broman.
On the mound, Brenna Broman was lights out. The ace tossed three no-run innings, striking out six and allowing just one hit.
Clinton’s defense was flawless, committing zero errors, and their aggressive base running led to seven stolen bases, with Preston and Mya Popkey each swiping two.
Game 2: Ormsby’s Walk-Off Bomb Seals 5-4 Thriller
After the fireworks of game one, game two proved to be a true test of grit and resilience. Clinton trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Lydia Ormsby stepped up with two runners on and one out and launched a towering three-run walk-off home run to center field sealing a stunning 5-4 comeback win.
Ormsby wasn’t alone in the homer parade—Calli Kruger got the Redwolves on the board in the fourth with a solo shot to center, followed by Kylinn Long, who launched another solo homer later in the inning to tie the game 2-2.
The win wouldn’t have been possible without another strong performance in the circle. Brenna Broman, coming on in relief, delivered four gritty innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four to earn her second win of the day. Ashlynn Benschoter started the game, striking out seven in three innings of solid work.
Annabell Preston continued her hot streak at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Szczesniak chipped in two more hits in her perfect 2-for-2 outing.
Once again, Clinton's defense was sharp, turning in another error-free performance, with Sierra Welch anchoring the infield with eight chances.
Next up: Clinton heads into another big doubleheader against St. Mary Catholic Central on Thursday at Clinton High School at 4p.
Clinton Varsity Redwolves Earn Second Place at Brighton Tournament with Three Statement Wins
Posted on 04/22/2025
Brighton, MI – April 20, 2025
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves capped off a strong weekend of softball with a second-place finish at the Brighton Tournament, going 3-1 on the day. The team earned impressive wins over South Lyon East, Clio, and Canton before falling in a tight championship battle with Livonia Churchill.
Game One: Clinton Rallies Late to Defeat South Lyon East
Clinton kicked off the tournament with a 4-3 comeback victory over South Lyon East. Lola Szczesniak drove in two with a single in the first inning, and Kylinn Long added a clutch RBI double in the third to give the Redwolves the lead for good. Taryn Hernandez dominated in the circle, striking out seven and walking none across four innings.
Game Two: Fourth-Inning Fireworks Push Redwolves Past Clio
The bats stayed hot in Game Two, where Clinton used a big fourth inning to pull away from Clio, 6-2. Timely hits from Cora Harsh, Annabell Preston, and Hernandez sparked the rally, while Calli Kruger executed a perfect sacrifice bunt. Ashlynn Benschoter earned the win, giving up just one hit and striking out five.
Game Three: Szczesniak Leads the Way in Shutout of Canton
Clinton picked up its third win of the day with a 4-0 shutout against Canton. Szczesniak had another big game, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and tossing a complete game shutout. Lydia Ormsby added an RBI double, and Kaylin Sposite delivered on both sides of the ball with a key hit and strong defensive play.
Championship Game: Redwolves Fall Short in Pitchers' Duel Against Churchill
In the championship game, Clinton fell 2-0 in a low-scoring battle with Livonia Churchill. Brenna Broman was sharp on the mound, allowing no earned runs and striking out three across six innings. Clinton out-hit Churchill 6-5 but couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities. Szczesniak again led the offense with two hits.
The Redwolves showed poise and fight throughout the tournament, combining strong pitching, timely hitting, and sound defense. “This group competed hard all day,” said Head Coach Lisa Mattison Roberts. “We continue to grow each week, and this was a great test against strong competition.”
Clinton heads to Dundee on Tuesday, looking to carry the momentum into another busy week of competition.
Clinton Softball Sweeps Ida Behind Offensive Firepower and Strong Pitching
Posted on 04/22/2025
Clinton, MI – April 22, 2025
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves picked up two big wins Tuesday night, defeating LCAA rival Ida 9-6 in Game One and rolling to an 8-1 victory in Game Two. The Redwolves were led by standout performances from Lola Szczesniak, Kylinn Long, Taryn Hernandez, and Ashlynn Benschoter.
Game One: Clinton 9, Ida 6
Clinton rallied early in the opener and never looked back, thanks to a red-hot performance from junior Kylinn Long, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a single, and two RBIs. Long’s double in the second inning gave the Redwolves the lead, and they capitalized on defensive miscues and timely walks to push across multiple runs.
Lola Szczesniak also went 3-for-4 in Game One, continuing her powerful night at the plate. Raven Aldridge delivered three RBIs from the eighth spot in the order, while Annabell Preston added pressure on the base paths with two stolen bases.
Taryn Hernandez earned the win in the circle, working through a gritty seven-inning outing. She allowed eight hits and six runs (three earned), striking out two and walking two.
Game Two: Clinton 8, Ida 1
While Game One featured timely hits and smart baserunning, Game Two turned into a power display—highlighted by sophomore Lola Szczesniak, who stole the spotlight with a pair of solo home runs in the second and fifth innings, finishing the game 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Clinton jumped out early with Szczesniak’s homer and added a flurry of offense behind a two-run double from Kaylin Sposite and an RBI single from Lydia Ormsby. Long stayed hot at the plate with another 3-for-4 performance, including a double in the third inning.
Junior pitcher Ashlynn Benschoter was dominant, going the distance with nine strikeouts, allowing just five hits and one run. She walked three and commanded the game from start to finish.
Clinton pounded out 16 hits in the win and played error-free defense. Preston and Cora Harsh chipped in multi-hit games.
Coach Lisa Mattison Roberts praised the balance of her squad:
“Lola Szcesniak and Kylinn Long were locked in at the plate all night. Ashlynn Benschoter and Taryn Hernandez gave us everything in the circle, and our team just played with confidence and intensity from first pitch to final out.”
The Redwolves improve their league standing and will look to keep the momentum going Thursday as they host Jackson Northwest.
Redwolves Battle Hard but Fall Short in Two Contests Against St. Mary Catholic Central
Posted on 04/22/2025
Clinton, MI – April 17, 2025
The Clinton Varsity Redwolves faced off against St. Mary Catholic Central Varsity Kestrels in two tough games this week, coming up short in both matchups despite strong performances at the plate.
In the first game, Clinton fell 15-7. Despite out-hitting St. Mary Catholic Central 13-10, the Redwolves couldn’t overcome a late five-run rally by their opponents. Kylinn Long led the charge with a 3-for-4 performance, including a double and two singles. Clinton took an early 5-2 lead thanks to RBIs from Raven Aldridge, Mya Popkey, Lola Szczesniak, and Brenna Broman, but St. Mary Catholic Central responded with eight runs in the fifth inning to pull away. Taryn Hernandez pitched 6.2 innings in the loss, giving up no earned runs and striking out four.
The second game on Thursday was a tighter affair, but the Redwolves still fell 5-3. Clinton started strong with two runs in the bottom of the first after a St. Mary Catholic Central error and a walk by Lydia Ormsby. But St. Mary Catholic Central evened the score in the third inning, and then took the lead in the fifth with a two-run triple by Braelyn Runyon and a double from Callie Cousino. Ashlynn Benschoter went the distance for Clinton, allowing five runs (four earned) on 11 hits while striking out 10.
In both games, Annabell Preston provided strong hitting, going 2-for-4 in the second game and leading the team with one RBI. On the mound, Benschoter displayed impressive control with 10 strikeouts, but St. Mary Catholic Central's offense was relentless. The Kestrels’ Runyon led the attack, collecting three hits and driving in a run in the second game.
Clinton looks ahead to a strong performance as they host Ida for their next game on Tuesday.