Coloma softball prepares for big stage at state semifinals

COLOMA, Mich. - It's been a banner week for Southwest Michigan on the high school diamond.

Heading into the state semifinals, four local teams were still alive in either baseball or softball, and one of them is the Coloma Comets.

And with 2012 being the last season the Comets advanced this far, it's a brand new experience for this group.

“None of them have done this before," said head coach Wendy Goodline. "Four of my seniors were managers in eighth grade the last time we went, so they’ve experienced it from that aspect. They’ve never experienced it playing, so they’re excited and it’s fun to watch.”

Coloma softball will play Clinton in the Division 3 semifinals on Friday, but they left for Michigan State on Thursday to get a feel for the sights and sounds.

They also had a chance to see South Haven softball, one of the other local squads still in the hunt for a title, who came away with a 14-0 victory over Dearborn Divine Child in Division 2.

"They’re 10 minutes down the road so we get to watch somebody that we know," said Goodline. "They’ll be able to take it in, see what it’s like, buy their MHSAA t-shirts, and get all of that stuff done ahead of time so when we show up tomorrow, it’s like a normal game day. The oohs and ahhs of playing at Michigan State are out and we can get right to business."

First pitch for the Comets is set for 12:30 p.m. at Michigan State's softball field.