Trade-Walled Lake Northern junior pitcher Brittani Mutter was recently named to the MHSAA’s D1 All-State Softball First Team. The hard-throw right-hander has had a fantastic season in the circle for the Lady Knights and coach Kristen Woodard. Mutter won 18 matches and led Northern to a share of the LVC title with South Lyon and South Lyon East, and back-to-back LVC Tournament Championships.

Northern’s Brittani Mutter blanks the captains in LVC’s season opener 10-0 win. (Special for The Spinal Column Newsweekly / CHRIS WALL)

Northwood’s engagement posted flashy numbers in the circle as she pitched 157.1 innings, struck out 193 batters and averaged 1.30 points. Opposing hitters only managed a .187 batting average against Mutter and she also threw an impressive four hitting streak in the 2021 season.

Proud to have been named 2021 All-Stater, Mutter spoke about the achievement.

“I’m very proud to have achieved new personal pitching records including my most batting count and most strikeouts in a fourteen game this year, but I’m also proud of how my teammates have played in defense behind me this year and have helped me achieve this. “

Mutter continued to congratulate his coach and teammates. “It was my first season in high school and I’m grateful for the opportunities Coach Woodard gave me, and I’m also grateful that she always believed in me. The team this year was one of the best that I have played for with our efforts and our will to win games.

Mutter is also stellar in the classroom where she wears a GPA of 3.9. She is the daughter of Brett and Jenni Mutter.

Two of Mutter’s teammates also received playoff accolades with second baseman Lauren Fox and shortstop Taylor Behrendt being named Honorable Mention All-State for their great seasons.

Behrendt, the team’s first hitter, has often been the spark plug for the North’s powerful offense throughout the season. In his sophomore year, Behrendt punched opposing pitchers, hitting 0.450 with an impressive 0.517 on base percentage. Defensively, the confident shortstop was just as consistent as she had 62 assists and 50 strikeouts on 120 occasions.

WL Northern shortstop Taylor Behrendt with the long throw for the exit in the thrilling 12-11 victory over WL Central to win the MHSAA District Championship on Saturday June 5, 2021 in Milford (Special for The Spinal Column Newsweekly / CHRIS WALL )

Behrendt is the daughter of Christopher Behrendt and Crystal Parsons.

Fox, a freshman, hit 0.375 with a 0.425 slugging percentage and has been strong defensively this spring. She had a .925 defensive percentage with 56 assists and 55 strikeouts as Northern’s daily second baseman.

Freshman Lauren Fox leads the ball to right field in the 13-2 win over Waterford Kettering in the second match of the doubles program on Tuesday April 13. (Special for The Spinal Column Newsweekly / CHRIS WALL)

Fox is also a good student, having achieved a 3.9 GPA this year while competing as a varsity athlete in three sports (cross country, hockey, softball). Fox is the daughter of Steve and Kathy Fox.

Mutter, Behrendt and Fox led Northern to a 34-8 record last spring, and with the trio returning next spring for Woodard and “Northern Nation”, the future looks bright for the Lady Knights as they move forward. ‘they are looking to make a race for the state title in 2022.