Mendon Hornets Softball Aims for Repeat State Championship

Experienced roster returns to defend Division 4 title in East Lansing

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:18pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in green, white, and yellow, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a high school softball game.The Mendon Hornets' quest for a repeat softball state championship is fueled by a talented, experienced roster ready to leave its mark.Mendon Today

The Mendon Hornets softball team is gearing up for another season on the diamond, hoping to defend their 2025 Division 4 state championship. The Green and White are led by a core group of five returning seniors, including three multi-year All-State players, as they look to make another deep playoff run.

Why it matters

Mendon has become a softball powerhouse in Michigan, reaching the state semifinals and finals in the last three seasons. The Hornets' 2025 title win over Unionville-Sebewaing ended the Patriots' four-year reign, and the team is now poised to potentially become a dynasty with its experienced roster.

The details

Mendon returns five key seniors, including shortstop Jadyn Samson, catcher and first baseman Cienna Nightingale, and pitcher Rowan Allen - all multi-year All-State selections. Centerfielder Mattea Bingaman and second baseman Brooke Gerth also return to the lineup, giving the Hornets a veteran-laden squad. While the team has holes to fill due to graduation, the underclassmen have been mentored by the seniors and are ready to step up.

  • Mendon won the 2025 Division 4 state championship on June 14, 2025.
  • The Hornets have reached the state semifinals and finals in the last three seasons.

The players

Jadyn Samson

Mendon's senior shortstop and multi-year All-State selection.

Cienna Nightingale

Mendon's senior catcher and first baseman, as well as a multi-year All-State player.

Rowan Allen

Mendon's senior pitcher and multi-year All-State selection.

Mattea Bingaman

Mendon's senior centerfielder.

Brooke Gerth

Mendon's senior second baseman.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, I had that same role where I had to come in and be the freshman on varsity and so did Jayden and Tea and Rowan, so it's been really cool to watch the freshmen. We were lucky enough to play volleyball and basketball with a lot of them, and we've been able to grow that relationship and keep that going.”

— Cienna Nightingale, Mendon senior catcher and first baseman

“A lot of us seniors were kind of taking the freshmen under our wing and just kind of helping them along. It means a lot because when I was a freshman, we had our seniors helping us. So it feels nice to be able to help.”

— Rowan Allen, Mendon senior pitcher

What’s next

The Mendon Hornets will begin their quest for a repeat state championship when the 2026 high school softball season kicks off in the spring.

The takeaway

Mendon's experienced roster, led by a core group of five returning seniors, has the potential to cement the Hornets as a softball dynasty in Michigan. The team's mentorship of younger players and desire to defend their title makes them a formidable opponent in the upcoming season.