Mustangs Poised Going Into Championship Season
Mustangs Ready for Postseason Championships
As the Marian varsity ski season nears its conclusion, the Mustangs have showcased growth, depth, and determination on every course they have raced this winter. Through a demanding slate of early-season meets—featuring tight league races, elite competition, and dramatic finishes—Marian has built a foundation rooted in consistency, improvement, and competitive grit. Each race served as both a test and a learning opportunity, shaping a team prepared for the intensity of championship competition.
The Mustangs earned strong victories over HHS (32–10) and LHS (24–12), highlighted by a thrilling one-point win against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (19–18). Along the way, Marian challenged itself against top-tier programs such as Milford and Novi, racing in difficult conditions and against deep, experienced lineups. Those head-to-head matchups pushed the Mustangs to elevate their performance and sharpen their competitive edge, setting the stage for postseason success.
That preparation paid dividends at the CHSL Championship on Monday, February 2nd, where Marian delivered a composed and confident performance to finish second overall, earning CHSL runners-up honors. Competing against the league’s strongest programs, the Mustangs demonstrated balance across the lineup, racing with poise and consistency under championship pressure. The second-place finish reflected not only individual talent, but also the collective growth of a team that has steadily improved throughout the season.
With momentum from the CHSL Championships, Marian now turns its attention to the KLAA Championships on Monday, February 9th, where the Mustangs will look to build on their postseason success and continue their push toward a strong finish.
Leadership at the Top
At the center of Marian’s success is junior captain Ava Hierlihy, who has emerged as one of the most dominant racers in the region. Excelling in both slalom and giant slalom, Hierlihy has consistently delivered standout performances while setting the competitive tone for the entire team.
Her slalom victories against HHS and LHS were particularly impressive, posting a combined time of 48.83—breaking the 50-second barrier and finishing more than five seconds ahead of the field. Against Milford and Novi, she continued her stellar form, capturing first overall with a time of 49.63, proving her ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.
In giant slalom, Hierlihy has shown steady and meaningful improvement throughout the season. At OLSM, she placed second overall, recording two consistent third-place runs and showcasing her growth in the sport’s more technically demanding discipline. Her ability to score at a high level in both events has been instrumental in Marian’s success and has raised expectations for what the Mustangs can accomplish in championship racing.
Senior captain Mirabelle Dawson has provided steady, dependable leadership throughout the season, both on and off the course. A reliable scorer in every meet, Dawson recorded multiple top-ten finishes, including a fourth-place overall result against OLSM. Her composure, adaptability, and race-day consistency have made her a cornerstone of Marian’s lineup.
Beyond the results, Dawson’s leadership has played a critical role in mentoring younger racers. Her guidance has helped underclassmen such as Summer Borromeo and Ella Fulgenzi gain confidence, refine their technique, and embrace the mental demands of varsity competition.
Breakout and Developing Performances
Sophomore Summer Borromeo has emerged as one of Marian’s most improved racers this season. She recorded the best finish of her varsity career with a third-place overall showing against HHS and LHS and earlier earned her first top-five high school finish with a fifth-place result against OLSM. Summer followed those performances with consistent top-ten finishes, including eighth against Milford and Novi, demonstrating growing confidence and poise in challenging race conditions.
Her continued development has added valuable scoring depth to Marian’s lineup, particularly in meets where every placement has mattered.
Sophomore Ella Fulgenzi has also made impressive strides in her first varsity season. Racing out of the demanding bullet position against OLSM, she secured her first league top-ten finish with a ninth-place overall result. Ella continued her strong performances with an eighth-place finish against HHS and LHS and tenth against Milford and Novi, reflecting her mental toughness and ability to handle pressure at the varsity level.
Her progress throughout the season has reinforced Marian’s strength in developing young talent and preparing athletes for high-stakes competition.
Team Depth and Competitive Edge
Senior Ashlyn Brinker has contributed crucial depth to Marian’s scoring lineup. Against OLSM, she earned a 14th-place finish and played a key role in the Mustangs’ one-point victory by pushing back opposing scores. She followed that effort with continued strong performances, including an 18th-place finish against Milford and Novi, showcasing resilience and a team-first mindset.
Senior Grace Callaghan has steadily improved throughout the season, providing consistency and reliability in the lineup. Against OLSM, she climbed from 35th to 22nd between runs, highlighting her adaptability and determination. Her continued varsity contributions have added stability and confidence to Marian’s overall performance.
Junior Erin DeGrazia, competing in her first varsity season, has shown notable growth with each opportunity. After earning her first varsity start against OLSM, she made significant improvements between runs and continued to climb the rankings as course conditions became more challenging. Her development reflects the strength of Marian’s program and its emphasis on long-term athlete growth.
Senior Lily Schuff has brought perseverance and consistency to the Mustangs in her final season. After earning varsity opportunities through strong JV performances in previous years, she has translated her training into dependable race-day results. Her steady improvement between runs and willingness to compete wherever needed have been valuable assets to the team.
Looking Ahead to Championships
With the regular season complete and a CHSL runner-up finish now in hand, Marian enters the postseason with confidence, momentum, and a clear sense of purpose. The upcoming KLAA Championships on February 9th will provide another opportunity for the Mustangs to measure themselves against elite competition and showcase the growth achieved throughout the season.
Anchored by the leadership of Ava Hierlihy and Mirabelle Dawson, and supported by the continued development of Borromeo, Fulgenzi, Brinker, Callaghan, DeGrazia, and Schuff, Marian brings a balanced, battle-tested lineup into championship racing. With a season defined by resilience, improvement, and teamwork, the Mustangs are poised to finish strong and leave everything on the slopes as postseason competition continues.
