STATE PARK - 28 GEORGETOWN, FORT WAYNE - 18

Despite the heat in Anderson, IN State Park 10-11 All Stars demonstrated
determination and endurance to build an early 21-0 lead. Both State Park and
Georgetown continued scoring at a fast pace with State Park capturing the win
with a final score of 28-18 in four arduous innings.
Emily Marcus pitched the first and fourth innings for SP striking out 7 of the 8
batters that she faced. Emily Hamady, pitched the second inning of no-hit ball
striking out three. Also pitching in relief were Jessica Ciesielski, and Kelsey
Neiswinger.
Offensively our bats were strong collecting 14 hits and 21 base on balls. Extra
base hits by Sami Goldberg & Jessica Ciesielski. Contributing by scoring 4 was
Whitney Wagner, 3 runs each by Kaylah Zajcek, Zoe Link, and Braelyn Molenda.
The Storm demonstrated great sportsmanship after the win in a touching scene
whereby the players created a tunnel as Gerogetown exited the field with their
hands raised chanting "We are proud of you". The smiles returned to some of the girls
faces and the Manager thanked them. Good Job Girls!

 

Riverfield (Anderson) survives the "STORM".

Riverfield 18 State Park 2

7-19-08 Anderson Indiana: 2:00 P.M. On a sunny and hot Saturday afternoon our State Park "STORM" girls played their hearts out. Facing a team that was rumored to have been together for years and favored to win the tournament, our girls tried their hardest but could not string together enough hits to score beyond 2 runs and get their first loss.

However, the girls did produce some offence. Runs were scored by Kelsey Neiswinger and Whitney Wagner. Singles were hit by Braelyn Molenda and Kelsey N. Defensively, Whitney W. recovered from a bad throw to swipe tag a runner out at third on her pony tail. Kaylah Zajcek made a running catch in right. A 4-3 putout was executed very well by Braelyn M. amd Emily Hamady. A caught stealing play occurred with a throw by Jessica Ciesielski to Braelyn M.. Pitchers of record: Starting was Emily Hamady, in relief was Whitney Wagner.

After the introductions and the exchanging of pins and during the Managers pre-game meeting at home plate with the head umpire, a baseline umpire took both teams’ players to second base to perform a cheer for the crowd. The teams started repeating, "Try hard, Play fair, Have fun." The chant was low at first, and then grew louder and louder until the field was filled with their voices.

Once the contest was over the State Park Coaches went out to thank the umpires. The umpires told them that they were impressed by the fact that our girls never stopped playing hard and never gave up. Good Job Girls!

Southeast (South Bend) ends the "STORM".

Southeast 13 State Park 3

7-20-08 Anderson Indiana: 2:00 P.M.

Battling for a chance to play in the final game, our girls gave everything they had to give. Despite the final score, the score was close until the final inning. As visitors, we jumped to an early 2-0 lead. Southeast scored three in their at bat. We left the bases loaded in our half of the second. After a lead off walk, we shut them down 1,2,3. We scored one in the third to tie and again left the bases loaded. Southeast scored one in their half of the third to take a four-three lead. We hit the ball well in our half of the fourth, however, could not score. Southeast started off their half of the fourth with four hard hit singles and the rest is history.

Offensively, Sami Goldberg hit a double and 1 run scored. Braelyn Molenda hit a single and one run scored. Emily Marcus and Jessica Ciesielski each hit singles. Kelsey Neiswinger had one run scored.

Defensively, Emily Marcus pitched the entire contest getting 6 strikeouts. Also contributing significantly were, Kaylah Zajcek, Zoe Link, Whitney Wagner, and Emily Hamady.

In a lighthearted moment in the second, Kaylah Z. called a time out in right field. She ran to the first base umpire and everyone was wondering what was going on. They spoke for a moment, she tried to hand the umpire something, he raised his hands and then pointed to our dugout. As she ran across the field to our dugout, she shouted " I lost a tooth!". Everyone chuckled and she received a standing ovation from both sides of the field as she ran back to her position.

In the State of Indiana, out of over 170 leagues and 14 districts, eight teams qualified to play for the 10-11 year old State Championship. Five of those remaining teams took the field of play. The State Park "STORM" was one of those teams. Our girls finished the tournament taking a respectable Third Place. On behalf of your coaches, your League, and your community: CONGRATULATIONS! to each and every one of you and we are very proud of you.

Any All-Star experience is a great one. Not only does it strengthen the play and character of the players for the future, but more importantly it creates memories that last a lifetime