Lansing Catholic repeat as Softball Classic champions with Dunneback’s power surge
Avery Dunneback’s 11 home runs and 200 career hits highlight Lansing Catholic’s second Greater Lansing Hall of Fame Softball Classic title, as the Cougars prepare for the state tournament.
Lansing Catholic has secured its second consecutive Greater Lansing Hall of Fame Softball Classic title, defeating Grand Ledge in the championship match on 15 May. The victory was anchored by senior softball player Avery Dunneback, who delivered a decisive three-run home run during the win. Her performance underscores a significant offensive surge for the Cougars, who have now captured four straight league titles and repeated as Softball Classic champions.
Dunneback’s statistical output this spring marks a substantial increase in power compared to her junior season. She has recorded 11 home runs this season, nearly tripling the four home runs she hit in 2025. This power display coincides with her surpassing the 200 career hits milestone for Lansing Catholic. Dunneback enters the state tournament with a batting average of .611, 46 runs batted in, and 20 stolen bases.
The senior attributes her improved power not to a change in physical training, but to a refined strategic approach at the plate. Dunneback stated that she focused on swinging only at pitches she wanted to hit, rather than swinging at bad pitches or "junk." This discipline has allowed her to provide consistent offensive production, with Dunneback noting that her primary focus remains on getting on base and driving in runs for the team rather than tracking individual home run totals.
Lansing Catholic head coach Amy Poljan highlighted the effectiveness of Dunneback’s placement in the lineup, often batting second, third, or fourth. Poljan noted that having Dunneback alongside teammates Taylor Dunneback and Zoey Gruber creates a potent offensive sequence. The coach observed that when these hitters are on base, the team generates significant momentum, with the hitters consistently making hard contact and running the bases aggressively.
Dunneback, who was named the LSJ girls athlete of the week, is committed to continuing her collegiate career at Grand Valley State University. She will join her twin sister, Taylor, who is also signed to play at Grand Valley. The Cougars now look to carry their regional success into the state tournament, built on a foundation of disciplined hitting and repeated championship performance.
