Novi’s hard work and determination paid off as they took a 5-2 victory over rivals Northville in the regional semifinals, making them the highest-ranked D1 team remaining in the field. Coach Rick Green was feeling proud and positive ahead of the matchup, with his team playing their best baseball all season. Now they will host Hartland for their chance at the program’s first regional championship since 2000.

Coach Rick Green was feeling proud and positive ahead of Novi’s regional semifinal against rival Northville. His team had been playing their best baseball all season, and the No. 3-ranked Mustangs were the highest-ranked D1 team remaining in the field. It ended up being more than just a hunch, as the team went on to win 5-2 – proving that their hard work and determination had paid off.

Northville started strong, with Joey Broughton throwing a solid 32 pitches in the first inning. Dominic Minghine followed up by pitching 22 before being replaced by closer Caden Besco. The first three batters for Novi then produced runs, with Alex Czapski singling and Thad Lawler being hit by a pitch. Trever Reed then played small ball, laying down a bunt to extend the lead.

Adam Brendon Bennett then hit a double down the right field line, scoring both Lawler and Caleb Walker and giving Northville a 3-0 lead.

Jon Aurilla’s quick reflexes and skill at shortstop were put on full display in the bottom of the second inning when, with the bases loaded, he snagged Connor Vissotski’s grounder and fired a perfect throw to first for the out. Later in the third, Thad Lawler displayed tremendous athleticism and concentration when he tracked a deep fly ball and, adjusting for the wind at the last second, reached out his glove and made a diving catch, resulting in a somersault and crash into the outfield wall, but holding on to complete the play.

Abler’s pride for his teammate was evident as he remarked, “Thad was incredible out there today. He stepped up and made a play that saved us the game.”

His coach, John Kostrzewa, agreed, noting that Northville had faced a difficult challenge in the form of Novi, who had won every facet of the game. However, Abler’s performance was remarkable, pitching four innings, only allowing three hits on 47 pitches. Even Green remarked that if it weren’t for any arm issues, he may have lasted until the fifth inning.

Nevertheless, the Wildcats managed to come out victorious, with Uli Fernsler helping secure the win in the remaining innings. Even when backed by Northville’s productive at-bats, only an RBI single from Evan Deak and a sac fly from Broughton managed to cut into the Wildcat lead to making the score 6-2.

In a moment of pride and admiration, Coach Green watched as his players celebrated in right field. He was pleased to have the regional final and quarterfinal hosted at Novi High School on Saturday after three games away from home, remarking “It means a lot. Nothing surprises me with these guys. It’s an incredible feeling. We’re going home. This is what I wanted them to feel. I want them to feel like this all year.”

By scoring an impressive five runs in the game and demonstrating exemplary teamwork and skill, the Novi Mustangs have earned a spot in their regional finals and will move forward to compete against Hartland for the chance at a regional championship that the team has been striving for since 2000. The close victory over long-time rivals Northville was truly remarkable, with both teams showing plenty of talent, effort, and dedication throughout the match. With such a tremendous performance and an admiration for the rising competitive spirit among the players, this game will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest in Novi’s recent history.