Michelle Green has been a valuable member of the Cassopolis softball team during her four years on varsity.

She has exhibited leadership qualities with her play and dedication to the sport.

“I just love softball,” said Green.

When wins were scarce during her freshman and sophomore years, Green still showed up to play in practices and games.

“It’s been an experience,” Green said. “The team has definitely grown a lot. We’ve switched coaches and during my freshman year we struggled keeping seniors on the team.

“Now, we’re doing really good. We just keep getting better as a team.”

Through April 27, the Rangers owned a 4-3 record with Green contributing with her bat and glove. She was batting .542 with nine RBIs. She’s hit seven doubles and two triples.

Green collected five hits, including two triples and a double, and drove in four runs in Cassopolis’ doubleheader on April 27th against Watervliet Grace Christian. The Rangers lost the opener, 11-9, in 10 innings and fell in an unofficial game to the Patriots, 11-4. The second game was called after four innings because of darkness.

“I think it was one of my best games this year,” Green said. “Usually, I don’t hit that well. Coach kept telling me that I wanted to hit a home run. I just fell short in doing that.”

Defensively, Green moved from left field to center field in the two games and caught four fly balls.

“It was a great day for my senior,” said Cassopolis softball coach Jason Schmidt. “She stepped up and played outstanding. She came up with some huge hits for us and she played an outstanding center field filling in for our starter (Kaylynn Forrest), who was competing in track. I couldn’t be happier for Michelle Green. We don’t miss a beat with Michelle in center field.”

Moving around the diamond is nothing new to Green, who along with playing the two outfield positions, has pitched and played second base.

“I like the outfield the most,” she said.

Green has figured out a way to stay mentally in the game when she’s in the outfield.

“I have conversations with the other outfielders now and then.”

Green was baffled like many when the first game was completed under the international tiebreaker. Beginning in the ninth inning, a runner was put on second base to start the inning to speed up the game and get to the second game.

“A few of our players knew about the international tiebreaker because they play travel softball,” Green said. “That was the first time I ever played in a game with that tiebreaker and it was the first time I ever played 10 innings.

“It was very interesting.”

Volleyball is Green’s best sport. She’s signed to play volleyball next year at Albion College.

“I like volleyball more.”

Cassopolis High School was thankful for Green’s efforts in two sports.