MAY 9, 2026, FINDLAY, OH – The Grand Rapids Community College softball team is headed back to the national stage for the first time in nearly three decades after capturing the NJCAA Great Lakes District B Championship with a 6-1 victory over Lake Michigan College on Saturday.
Top-seeded GRCC improved to 41-8 on the season and extended its winning streak to 11 games while punching its ticket to the NJCAA Division II World Series in Spartanburg, SC, scheduled for May 19-24. Second-seeded Lake Michigan College finished its season at 31-11.
The regional title continues a historic season for the Raiders, who also secured their third conference championship in the past four years. It marks the program's first appearance at nationals since legendary coach Paula Maloley led GRCC to back-to-back national tournament appearances in 1997 and 1998.
GRCC rolled through the regional tournament unbeaten, opening with a 6-2 victory over Oakland Community College on Thursday before defeating Lake Michigan College 7-0 in Friday's winners bracket final.
Just as they did in Friday's matchup, the Raiders struck early in the championship game and never looked back. GRCC plated three runs in the bottom of the first inning after opening the frame with three consecutive hits to immediately seize momentum.
The Raiders added to their lead in the second inning when Kenady O'Leary blasted a two-run home run to make it 5-0. GRCC added its final run in the fifth inning when Ava VanderKolk delivered a pinch-hit RBI single that scored Ella Schram.
Freshman pitcher Megan Lillie remained unbeaten in the circle, improving to 15-0 after throwing a complete game. Lillie allowed just five hits and one run across seven innings.
O'Leary led the offense with two of GRCC's seven hits on the day.
Following the tournament, O'Leary, Tia Schone, Megan Lillie and Kalani Stowe were all named to the NJCAA Great Lakes District B All-Tournament Team. Stowe was named the tournament MVP after earning two wins in the circle while allowing just one earned run and striking out 21 batters during the tournament.
Head coach Chuck White, who was named District B Coach of the Year, said the accomplishment is a testament to the team's commitment throughout the season.
"I'm incredibly proud of this group and everything they've accomplished," White said. "They've worked hard from day one, stayed together through every challenge, and competed with confidence all season long. To bring GRCC softball back to the national tournament for the first time since 1998 is special for our players, our alumni, and everyone connected to this program. We're excited for the opportunity to represent GRCC on the national stage."
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