Courtesy photo The Alpena Huron Shore Little League 8-10 softball team celebrates its 2026 Michigan District 8 championship victory. The team went on to win its sectional series and advanced to play in the state tournament this weekend in Grosse Point.

ALPENA — The Alpena Huron Shore Little League’s 8-10 softball team has turned a summer of determination into a dominant postseason run, advancing to the Michigan state tournament after sweeping district and sectional competitions.

Under Coach Eric MacKenzie, the squad has outscored opponents by lopsided margins, showcasing strong pitching, timely hitting, and defensive play that has carried them through every challenge.

MacKenzie didn’t originally plan to be on the field this season. After wrapping up the high school baseball season, the Alpena father intended to watch his daughter play. But when the team needed a coach, his daughter’s request — along with encouragement from his wife and other parents — made the decision easy.

“I was anticipating having a break after the high school baseball season and I had planned on just watching my daughter play. However, they needed a coach and when my daughter asks me to help it’s hard to say no,” MacKenzie said with a laugh.

The team responded immediately. In the district play last week in Grayling, Alpena opened with a 22-4 victory over West Branch. They followed with an 18-1 win against the host Grayling team on Tuesday and then blanked West Branch 10-0 on Wednesday to capture the district championship.

Advancing to the sectional round, the Alpena squad faced Rogers City, the District 13 champions, in a best-of-three series. They took the first game 10-3 and completed the sweep with a 14-0 shutout in the second contest. The decisive performances highlighted the depth and composure of the young roster.

MacKenzie said he has been impressed by the group’s attitude from the start.

“It’s fun to have a young group who show up ready for practice and wanting to learn,” he said. “I think that is a big part of why we are doing so well. They have a genuine desire to learn the game.”

That eagerness has translated into consistent execution on the diamond. Players have stepped up in key moments throughout the tournament, contributing offensively and defensively to build momentum that now carries into the state level.

The team is guaranteed at least three games at the state tournament in Grosse Pointe. They open against Escanaba on Friday at 4 p.m., followed by a Saturday contest at 10 a.m. Sunday’s game time remains to be determined. A strong showing could position them for a state championship game on Monday.

The Alpena Huron Shore Little League has provided baseball and softball opportunities for area youth for years, serving players across Alpena and expanded territory that includes Alcona and Oscoda school districts. The organization maintains a network of fields, with its primary complex along U.S. 23 North serving as a hub for games and tournaments.

MacKenzie said that hosting both the district and sectional tournaments in Alpena this season created an electric atmosphere.

“We hosted districts and sectionals here in Alpena for softball and we had great crowds,” MacKenzie said. “It was really good to see the support from the community. We would not be able to do this without them. It is much appreciated.”

For MacKenzie, he said the role has been rewarding beyond the wins. Coaching his daughter while guiding a group of young athletes has reinforced the value of parental involvement in youth sports. The players, some who are experiencing their first major tournaments, have embraced the opportunity to compete at higher levels.

The Alpena team’s success adds to a strong 2026 season for the Huron Shore Little League, which continues to invest in facilities and programming to support growing participation. Fields at the U.S. 23 North complex and other locations have hosted games, with ongoing community efforts such as the “Light The Park” initiative aimed at adding lights for expanded play.

Whether the run concludes after the guaranteed games or extends into a championship push, the players have already created lasting memories through their collective effort and rapid rise. MacKenzie and the entire roster credit the team’s unity and work ethic as the foundation for everything achieved so far.

Local families and fans are encouraged to follow the team’s progress this weekend, as the Alpena Huron Shore 8-10 softball team looks to make its mark on the statewide stage.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.