Macomb County, Oakland County

Stevenson softball loses heartbreaker

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Erin Sanchez Stevenson junior shortstop Andrea Deneweth, pictured during a regional playoff game, made some big plays for the Titans in a June 12 quarterfinal, but the team fell 5-4 to White Lake Lakeland at Madison Heights Bishop Foley. Photo by Erin Sanchez Stevenson junior shortstop Andrea Deneweth, pictured during a regional playoff game, made some big plays for the Titans in a June 12 quarterfinal, but the team fell 5-4 to White Lake Lakeland at Madison Heights Bishop Foley.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Utica Stevenson’s softball team’s lead disappeared just as quickly as it materialized. And just like that, with a bad case of déjà vu, the Titans were knocked out of the state tournament.

Stevenson fell 5-4 to White Lake Lakeland in a Division 1 state quarterfinal June 12 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley.

The game was tied 2-2 entering the seventh inning. The Titans were up first and brought two runners home on a bunt by junior shortstop Andrea Deneweth to take a 4-2 lead.

But Lakeland tied the game in eerily similar fashion, and then won it on the following play after an errant pitch.

“It was a great game,” Stevenson coach Tony Misuraca said. “Both teams gave each other some runs in the seventh. Give them credit, they put the ball in play.”

The Titans finish the year 26-10, while Lakeland advances to the state semifinals.

“I just told them I wouldn’t trade them for anyone,” Misuraca said about talking with his players after the game.
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1040. Follow Jon on Twitter.