Softball Recap: Sterling Heights Stevenson Takes a Loss

Sterling Heights Stevenson had lost 15 straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 0-20 to make it 16. They came up short against the Utica Chieftains, falling 10-0. That's two games in a row now that the Titans have lost by exactly ten runs.

As for Utica, with the win, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 10-12. They not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since April 22nd (when they won 12-2).

For Utica's part, Ava Mazza made a big impact no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. Those 12 strikeouts gave Mazza a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run and one double.

In other batting news, Rachel Durecki was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Violet Smith also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Looking ahead, Sterling Heights Stevenson will look to defend their home field on Saturday against Warren Woods-Tower at 10:00 a.m. Sterling Heights Stevenson's pitchers better be ready for this one: Warren Woods-Tower has averaged an impressive 7 runs per game this season. As for Utica, they will head out on the road to square off against Hudsonville at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Eagles will roll in looking for their 17th straight victory, something the Chieftains surely won't give up without a fight.