Ferndale, Berkley

Ferndale softball bows out in semis

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ferndale High’s Cia Fotiu slides into second base during a game earlier this season. The Eagles lost in their Division 2 district semifinal. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ferndale High’s Cia Fotiu slides into second base during a game earlier this season. The Eagles lost in their Division 2 district semifinal.

With a team that starts four freshmen on a regular basis, Ferndale High softball coach Tony Smith caught a glimpse of the future June 2 at Warren Fitzgerald.

The Eagles were taking on the host team in a Division 2 district semifinal.

“We started off pretty strong, and after a couple of innings, the wheels just started coming off. I was so proud of the kids the way they came out wanted to play and the way they played well the first couple of innings,” Smith said.

The squads were tied at two after the first inning, and the Eagles only trailed 6-3 in the third, but in the fourth, errors and walks caught up to Ferndale, leading to a 21-4 win for Fitzgerald.

“It’s a young team, and that’s why this team will get stronger mentally, and I think that will help them as the seasons go,” Smith said.

Still, Smith was proud of the attitude exhibited.

“It’s funny, even though we were down in the last inning, the kids were still chanting. One of the coaches from Fitzgerald said to me that it really says a lot about the team, that the kids were chanting when they were down so much. That’s who they are; they’re great kids.”

Ferndale finished the year 11-22 overall after playing a very strong schedule, according to the coach.

“I didn’t want to go against weaker competition. I wanted them to learn and see what this game is all about,” he said. “When they see kids at the same age playing at a high level, then they want that for themselves.”

In other local softball news
Berkley High fell in its D-1 pre-district May 29 in Warren. The Bears lost to eventual champ Warren Regina 14-0.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062. Follow Christian on Twitter.