Ida Dominates Monroe County Fair Softball Opener

Ida Returns as Defending Champions

Ida rolled into the 52nd annual Monroe County Fair Softball Tournament looking to retain its crown after winning the event last summer. Coach Travis Lusky’s squad opened the action on Sunday, July 12, with a 12‑2 victory over Whiteford followed by a 15‑0 shutout of Mason. “We have both of our pitches back,” Lusky said. “If we throw strikes, we are going to be tough to beat.” The team’s strength lies in its young talent, with many players 12 and under still in the mix.

Lusky also reminded fans that the roster is still developing. “We’re still a young team,” he noted. “Half of our girls can play again next year.” This youthful depth is a hallmark of Ida’s program and should help them stay competitive throughout the tournament.

Notable Player Performances

Ellie Medley paced Monroe with a 2‑for‑2 display, a walk, and three runs scored. Her teammate Ellie Jondro added a double and a single, while Aubrey Steffy also collected two hits for the winners. Dundee threatened early with singles from Madi Plumb and Olivia Widner and a third‑inning double by Ady, but could not hold off Monroe’s 16‑4 win.

Ida’s offensive firepower was led by Ella Derian and Logan Everett, each scoring four runs and recording a triple. Sadie Lusky added a pair of hits and two RBIs, and Anna Petoskey drove in runs as well. Whiteford’s lone homer came from Emma Houghtaling, who also logged two hits in the 2‑run loss.

Mason’s 11‑10 victory over Frenchtown featured a dramatic ninth‑inning rally. Brooklyn Kluczynski delivered a bases‑loaded single to tie and win the game. Maddison King, Ava Nehrig, and Callie Wilder fueled a seven‑run third inning, with Nehrig going 2‑for‑2 and earning a walk.

Turnaround Day for South Rockwood

South Rockwood turned the tables on Monroe, winning 11‑1. Violet Linzell posted a triple and drove in five runs, while Bryn Evans added a two‑run triple and Sopha Piepsney launched a home run. Charleigh Mullins scored three times, and Maggie Jones contributed on the mound.

Monroe managed a single run in the contest, courtesy of an Ella Jondro single that drove in Izabella Walsh. The loss marks a swift correction for Monroe after a dominant earlier win, highlighting the competitive balance of the tournament.

Ida’s Command Continues

Ida’s dominance was reinforced with a 15‑0 shutout of Mason. Derian and Everett each went 2‑for‑2, scoring all three runs they were credited with, and Sadie Lusky added a home run and two RBIs. The pitching staff, including Sadie Lasky, tossed a one‑hit, one‑base‑runner gem.

Whiteford responded with offensive fireworks, as Ava Ovall and Isabella Hutchinson each hit 3‑for‑3 and homered. Emma Houghtaling and Brynn Ovall added two hits each, while Mae Shaw collected a pair of hits and Zoey Wood scored twice for Frenchtown in a 20‑6 defeat.

Monday’s Elimination Games

The tournament moves to the Fairgrounds Diamond on Monday with two elimination matchups. Dundee faces Mason at 4 p.m., followed by Monroe versus Whiteford at 6 p.m. Fans can expect high‑stakes action as teams fight to stay alive in the 52nd annual Monroe County Fair Softball Tournament.

Tuesday will feature South Rockwood versus Ida at 4 p.m., and the winners of the Monday games will clash at 6 p.m. The winners’ bracket final is slated for Wednesday at 4 p.m., with South Rockwood set to meet the surviving Ida team.

Roster Highlights

Key contributors from each team include Dundee’s Cori Crawford, Abby Gillespie, and Peyton Green; Frenchtown’s Kloe Johnson and Kennedy Christopher; Ida’s Logan Everett, Audrey Walentowski, and Sadie Lusky; Mason’s Brooklyn Kluczynski, Maddison King, and Callie Wilder; Monroe’s Hanna Kaczor, Scarlett Egan, and Aubrey Steffy; and South Rockwood’s Violet Linzell, Bryn Evans, and Sophia Piepsney. Coach rosters also feature experienced mentors like Travis Lusky, Derek Kaczor, and Steve Drummond guiding the next generation of talent.