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.