Two tournament titles for Nautical City Smash 12U in the dome

February 19, 2026 Editor

The Nautical City Smash (NCS) 12U (and under) travel softball team won their second tournament of the winter back at the Michigan Sports Dome in Auburn, a facility that boasts 73,500 square feet and two fields.

NAUTICAL CITY Smash 2026 Artic Blast tournament winners include, front from left, Peyton Martin, Joz Hincka, Lexi Roznowski, Brooklyn Schalk, Sophia Kowalski, Vayla Vogelheim, second row, Eva Brietzke, Mallory Kowalski, Ellery Kleiber, Malaina Schram, Kenzie Jaeger, coach Leann Schalk, back row, head Coach Steve Kowalski and coach Jeff Wirgau. Missing from the photo is teammate Maizey Wirgau. Missing from the previous photo was Ellery Kleiber.

The Arctic Blast tournament saw both the NCS 12U and 14U teams from the area in action, Feb. 7, against teams from around the state.

On their way to the tournament title, the 12U squad started the day with a 1-0 victory over the Tri-Valley Twisters based out of North Branch (northeast of Lapeer).

Sophia Kowalski had a hit and scored the game’s only run, while Joz Hincka also added a hit.

Brooklyn Schalk led the way on the mound with nine strikeouts.

Game two was a convincing win over Edge Fastpitch from Lake Orion with a final score of 11-1.

Lexi Roznowski had two hits and drove in two in the victory and Vayla Vogelheim had a hit and a run batted in (RBI).

Schalk retired nine batters and walked four. With a 2-0 mark in the tournament, the girls earned a bye before getting the Tri-Valley Twisters and getting a 2-0 win.

“These girls know how to lock-in so they compete at a high level all day,” said head coach Steve Kowalski. “It is never about the last play with them; it is always about the next one. Watching them work together and make the plays that they do at their young ages is truly a joy and privilege.”

Kenzie Jaeger struck out 14 batters and walked three.

Schalk and Vogelheim each collected a hit, while Peyton Martin had the go-ahead hit to bring in the only runs of the contest.

The 14U NCS were 2-1 on the day. The girls lost their first game 5-2 to the eventual tournament champions, Michigan Batbusters (Macomb), but came back to get the next two.

The first was an 11-3 win over Interlakes Pride (Wixom) and a 4-1 win over the Macomb Shock.

Jaeger, who plays for both teams, had six total hits in the 14U games. Emerson Kleiber, Zayla Blair and Noraa Hincka all had four total hits throughout the day.

“The two squads finished their indoor season with a solid record of 10-2-1. Although it was cold in the dome, the girls had fun being together and playing softball,” said coach Kowalski. “The experience will definitely be beneficial for them as spring is right around the corner.”

The NCS 12U will continue play in Saginaw, April 18. The 14U squad will compete next in Ogemaw the weekend of June 20.