Livonia Stevenson's Cipa hits 2 inside-the-park HRs in same inning

Livonia Stevenson's Avery Cipa celebrates a home run during a nonconference softball game on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

“We inserted her at shortstop because she can cover a lot of ground because she’s pretty quick and has a really good arm,” Hannigan said. “Now, she’s our full-time shortstop, and she’s definitely earned it. She’s just continued to look good as she’s gone along with the process.”

Showing up and doing the work is what has made Cipa so successful, and continuing to do so is also how she motivates her younger teammates.

Stevenson brought up three JV players for the game. Again, some of that had to do with not wanting to give away future game plans should the two teams square off in a district final, but it also had to do with playing 13 games in eight days. Hannigan’s starters will need rest along the way, which they got against the rebuilding Cougars.

He brought in Macey Gorney at shortstop and Aubrey Edwards at first base. He also had Michaela Welch catch for two innings. You can bet Cipa hitting two inside-the-park home runs will inspire those three up-and-comers because Cipa was in their shoes three years ago, and all she’s done is show steady growth since making her varsity debut.

“I’ve just always wanted to show up for my team,” the senior said. “I’ve wanted to do whatever I can to help, so I just show as much hustle as I can and try to be a good influence for the younger players, showing them it can actually be done.”

“It” being an underclassman capable of contributing as a role player until becoming irreplaceable by the time you’re a senior starter.

Livonia Stevenson's Brooke Benaske pitches during a nonconference softball game on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

“I’m just trying to work hard and show as much work ethic as I can,” Cipa added. “I want to be a good influence on my team and show that if you have a passion for the game, anything can really happen here.”

Stevenson’s goals are to beat rivals Churchill, Clarenceville and Franklin for the city championship, compete for a KLAA title in its final season in the league and win its first district championship since 2022.

Should the Spartans achieve any of those goals, it’s safe to say Cipa’s hard work will have had something to do with it.

“She’s definitely earned everything she’s ever gotten,” Hannigan said.

Brandon Folsom covers high school sports in metro Detroit for Hometown Life. Follow him on his new X.com account at @folsomwrites.

This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Livonia Stevenson softball beats Garden City, 15-2