Extra-inning homer ends Onaway?s season
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
The dreams of a return trip to Battle Creek evaporated with one swing of the bat last Saturday in Pellston. The Cardinal softball team, the 2010 Division IV state runner-up, lost 2-0 in the regional semifinals on an eighth-inning walk-off homer to end Onaway?s season.
The homer was the only scoring in the game, as the Cards? Emily Estep and Rapid River?s Heather Sanderson were locked in a pitching duel and both teams played air-tight defense. Rapid River had the upper hand early, but Onaway gained momentum as the playoff game con
ONAWAY HAD a runner at third with one out in the top of the sixth and another on second with nobody out in the eighth, but couldn?t take advantage of their chances. There weren?t a lot of visible tears at the close of the contest, as all but one will be returning. Even senior third baseman Deanna DeMaestri was upbeat following the loss. ?It?s been awesome, I?ve enjoyed it,? said DeMaestri, moments after shaking the hand of their regional opponent. ?It?s been a privilege, actually. We bonded well, freshmen to senior.?
And chances of a Rapid River rematch, with Sanderson a senior in 2012, are extremely likely. The Rockets won the regional tournament, dominated their quarterfinal game, and now play Unionville-Sebewaing today at Bailey Park at 11 a.m. The Cards knocked off Unionville, 2-1, on their way to last year?s title game.