Esacanaba's Cam Buckley delivers a pitch during the Candy Swetkis SISU Strikefest on May 9, 2026 at Lemmand Park. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — One run was all that was needed for the Gladstone Braves as they were crowned champions of the 3rd Annual Candy Swetkis SISU Strikefest.

The Braves defeated the Eskymos in the championship game 1-0 on a walk-off single by Emma Trombley that brought in a run.

“Emma came through with a big hit for us,” Braves coach Scott Herioux said. “Everytime these two schools play, both sides give their best effort, so the next four games against Escanaba should be fun.”

The Eskymos got to the championship game by defeating Three Rivers 11-6 and Escanaba’s JV team 17-7.

Gladstone advanced to the championship game by defeating Millington 9-5 and Houghton 3-2.

“I have to give credit to Gladstone,” Eskymos coach Andy Fields said. “They played a really tough game against us and I want to congratulate them on winning the Candy Swetkis Tournament.”

In the top of the first inning, Escanaba senior Chloe Dubord hit a lead-off single then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Breleigh Reinhart.

Chloe Dubord was caught stealing third moments before Abby Derkos smoked a double to left field and Harlee Coolman lined out to end the inning.

“I take the blame for the first inning,” Fields said. “I was aggressive with calls on the bases that cost us a run but I’m very proud of how our girls played.

The Eskymos had to pitch senior Landry Bray in back-to-back games due to an injury to another pitcher.

“Landry played the best she has played this season,” Fields said. “She has been a strong point for us this season and will continue to be as we move forward.”

Lauren Pare picked up the win for the Braves allowing zero runs on four hits with one strikeout and one walk.

Gladstone’s Lauren Pare was 3 for 3 in the game against Millington including an RBI single in the third inning. Hope Reath had an RBI-double in the sixth inning to tie the game at five then took the lead on an RBI-single by Trombley.

The Braves added to the lead in the seventh inning as their first three batters reached on singles and Malia Quigley reached on an error, scoring two runs.

The Eskymos best game of the day was against Three Rivers as Abby Derkos and Cam Buckley each had a home run in the contest.

“We played our best game of the year against Three Rivers,” Fields said. “Landry pitched her best game of the season and we hit the ball well. We were strong in every area of our game.

In the first game Escanaba’s Allison Noblet hit an inside the park home run against her sister Bella Noblet.

“It made me a little nervous hitting it off her,” Allison Noblet said. “It’s fun though knowing it’s my last season and getting a chance to play with her is awesome.”

The Eskymos and Braves will play a doubleheader tonight in Escanaba.