Michigan Chargers 16U softball team consists of front (L to R) Payton Malcolm, Kalista Negin, Addison Blank, Skielar Tesnow, Tori Boyd and Megan Smith; and back coach Brian Dietlin, Josalyn Dietlin, Jade Blanchard, Kaycee Stang, Regan Hemelberg, Hannah Richardson, coach Dale Richardson and coach Adam Blanchard.

CAPAC — The Michigan Chargers 16U softball squad, which counts Capac’s Skielar Tesnow among their ranks, earned a first-place finish at the USSSA Eastern National Championships this past week.

Ocean City, Maryland hosted the tournament which ran July 25-July 30.

The Michigan Chargers started their title-producing path with a 10-0 win against Lazers 16U Blue on Monday, July 25.

Tuesday, July 26 Michigan Chargers 16U softball team improved to 4-0 with a 6-5 victory over Bethel Blast; an 8-1 triumph against Rapidfire 16U; and a 7-0 win over Firebirds 16U Vican.

From there it was on to bracket play.

Michigan Chargers 16U softball team then picked up a 6-1 victory against Diamond Elite Haiber 16U on Wednesday; a 5-3 triumph Thursday over Beacon Extreme 16U; and an 8-3 win against Diamond Chix Pink-Cancilla 16U on Friday.

Saturday’s action saw Michigan Chargers 16U softball team drop a 2-1 verdict to PA Rebellions 16U.

They then bounced back with a 5-3 triumph against Adirondack USSSA Pride 16U and a 14-12 win over PA Rebellions16U squad.

Those outcomes placed them in the championship encounter where they squared off versus PA Rebellions 16 U squad. That battle drew to a close with Michigan Chargers 16U softball team up by a convincing an 11-3 count, ending with a run by Tesnow.

She was joined on the championship squad by Joslyn Dietlin, Jade Blanchard, Kaycee Stang, Raegan Hemelberg, Hannah Richardson, Payton Malcolm, Kalista Negin, Addison Blank, Tori Boyd and Megan Smith.

Brian Dietlin, Dale Richardson and Adam Blanchard directed the team to their top finish.

Kevin Kissane

Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.