The Stevens Point Area
Senior High School (SPASH) softball team had its quest for a second consecutive
WIAA Division 1 State Title come to an end in the State Semifinals at Goodman
Diamond in Madison Friday, June 9.

The defending State
Champion Panthers (24-7) were unable to get their bats going against Kaukauna
senior pitcher and NCAA Division 1 University of Wisconsin recruit Haley
Hestekin, who carried a perfect game into the top of the seventh inning, where
SPASH looked to stage a late rally.

The Panthers brought the
tying run to the plate, before Hestekin recorded her 12th strikeout of the game
to give second-ranked Kaukauna (28-2) a 3-0 win and end SPASH’s season with a
loss to the eventual Division 1 State Champion.

“We were all super
excited to be here, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime, especially to be down
here twice,” said SPASH junior center fielder Ally Miklesh. “She pitched
phenomenally, we couldn’t handle her rise ball but we tried our best, and
toward the end a couple of us got a hold of it.

“But I’m just really
proud of everyone,” she said.

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