SPASH denied chance at softball title repeat

Stevens Point Journal

Stevens Point High School’s Brooke Tuszka makes the catch on first base for an out as Kaukauna High School’s Megan Huss runs to first. Kaukauna played Stevens Point in the WIAA Division 1 Semifinal softball game at UW’s Goodman Diamond, Madison, Wis., June 9, 2017. Kaukauna won 3 - 0.

MADISON - This was one bus ride every player on the Stevens Point Area Senior High softball team was hoping to delay for one more night.

Brittney Flugaur, Brooke Tuszka and the rest of the seniors were hoping that a gold or silver trophy would once again be accompanying them on that bus ride.

A ninth Division 1 state championship since 2001 was not meant to be Friday night. Kaukauna pitcher Haley Hestekin was having none of that storybook ending sort of stuff.

Hestekin came within three outs of a perfect game and had to settle for a two-hit 3-0 shutout over the Panthers with 12 strikeouts in a state semifinal at Goodman Diamond.

SPASH concluded its season at 24-7.

The Galloping Ghosts will take on Wilmot, a 2-1 winner over Oak Creek, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday with a state title on the line.

Stevens Point High SchoolÕs Andrea Cherney pitches during their game. Kaukauna played Stevens Point in the WIAA Division 1 Semifinal softball game at UWÕs Goodman Diamond, Madison, Wis., June 9, 2017. Kaukauna won 3 - 0.

"We knew we had to come up with a big hit along the way and we just weren't able to do it. That's a credit to (Hestekin)," SPASH cach Tom Drohner said. "She was phenomenal out there. I was glad we got a couple hits.

"As a team we accomplished an awful lot. Making it to the final four (in Division 1). Our ultimate goal wasn't reached, but getting down here and making a little noise is still something to be proud about."

Ally Miklesh spoiled Hestekin's no-hit bid with a chopper up the middle for a single to lead-off the top of the seventh.

Halle Pavelski also picked up a single in the frame. Yet another indication a group of SPASH was comprised of a group of kids who refused to accept defeat.

Time again all season, the Panthers battled back to claim come-from-behind victories, including one over Chippewa Falls in the sectional final.

But Hestekin refused to let the possibility happen.

"(Haley) has been great, but over the last three weeks she has put it into another gear," Kaukauna coach Tim Roehrig said. "Oshkosh North and Stevens Point you're talking about murder's row right there, and she went right through it."

Aubrey Drohner admitted Hestekin is one of those pitchers you would like to get a look at during the regular season.

"We haven't really saw her this year. That's one of those pitchers you need to be able to see throughout the year," the senior standout said. "She's a great pitcher and I give her a lot of credit."

SPASH pitcher Andrea Cherney wasn't exactly roughed up by any means.

Some uncharacteristic sloppy defense enabled the Galloping Ghosts to put a pair of unearned runs on the scoreboard in the second inning.

Stevens Point Area Senior High School's head coach Tom Drohner comforts Aubrey Drohner after their loss to Kaukauna High School Friday, June 9, 2017 during the WIAA Division 1 State Softball Tournament in Madison, WIs.

Take away a couple of SPASH errors in that inning and Cherney may very well have matched Hestekin in the circle. She scattered six hits.

The junior right-hander would have had to have been close to perfect to keep pace, however.

"I was just focusing on throwing my game," said Hestekin, who was in search of the 12th no-hitter in state tournament history. "Me and (catcher Michaela) Meehl our whole ting was block everything out, all the noise, and we're just playing catch."

A year ago, SPASH players left the state tournament with tears of joy rolling down their cheeks.

The tears they experienced Friday night were much different. They were all trying to cope with the realization their goal of another state championship came up a game short.

And for the six seniors there was the stark reality they would never be putting on the SPASH uniform again.

"Right now it just kind of sucks," Aubrey Drohner said. "Not many teams are able to do this. It was a lot of fun and I wouldn't want to spend it with any other girls."

WP - Haley Hestekin 7 IP, 12K, 0BB. LP - Andrea Cherney 6 IP, 0K, 1BB.

Records: SPASH 24-7; Kaukauna 28-2.

Scott A. Williams can be reached at 715-345-2282, or by email at ssswilliam@stevenspoint.gannett.com. Find him on Twitter as @SPJScottWill

Stevens Point High SchoolÕs Megan Miklesh makes a catch in the outfield. Kaukauna played Stevens Point in the WIAA Division 1 Semifinal softball game at UWÕs Goodman Diamond, Madison, Wis., June 9, 2017. Kaukauna won 3 - 0.