The Saugatuck girls soccer team etched a milestone into the school's history this spring, advancing to the regional finals for the first time in program history. Their journey began with a decisive 2-0 victory over Michigan Lutheran on June 2, a game that set the stage for a showdown with Kalamazoo Christian two days later.
A Season of Firsts
The regional final against Kalamazoo Christian ended in a 6-0 loss, but the defeat did not diminish the significance of the run. Coach Neal Phillips praised the squad's resilience, noting that the team's unity and willingness to support one another were evident in every match.
Senior midfielder Neave Rewa, who scored several key goals during the stretch, expressed pride in the team's progress and highlighted the unwavering support from classmates, families and local fans. "Playing for Saugatuck has always been about more than just a win," she said, "it's about representing our community on the field."
Community and Coaching
Beyond soccer, the school celebrated a cascade of athletic successes. The baseball team captured its first district title in a decade, while the track program placed fourth at the state meet, driven by Novella DeGraaf's record‑breaking performance. The girls basketball team also secured its third consecutive district championship, underscoring a multi‑sport surge that has put Saugatuck on the regional radar.
Looking Forward
Kalamazoo Christian will meet Harbor Springs in the state semifinals on June 9, a matchup that will test the lessons learned from the regional final. Coach Phillips emphasized that striking first against strong opponents remains a priority as the team looks to build on this momentum and carry the momentum into future seasons.