I would first like to thank all of our parents for their hard work and dedication this past weekend. This tournament would not have been a success without you! Thank you so much for your hard work and support of this team.
Despite several hours of rain delays and grueling hours of preparing the fields, we were finally able to get things rolling on Saturday around noon. After losing our first two pool play games, their girls turned it around and won 2 games against Red Bank which moved them into the semi finals of the bracket. The semi final was a true test of mental strength and determination. The first 6 innings were a pitcher's dual with no score from both offenses. Our Freshmen pitcher Carly Frost pitched an amazing game with 9 strikeouts, 1 walk and only 3 hits. After the 6th inning we went into a 3 inning, nail biting, tie breaker. At this point it came down to mental toughness and which team would execute routine plays. In the bottom of the 9th inning, with a runner at third base, and two strikes on our number 5 hitter, Nanea Haruo hit a bloop just over the third baseman's head for the game winning RBI!
This game moved the Lady Raiders into the championship game against Silverdale Baptist. The game began at 12:45am Sunday morning. The girls were so determined that they coasted through with a 4-1 win to take the championship trophy. Kudos to Haley Hodgson for pitching a great game! All of the girls did a great job displaying mental toughness, character and determination. The Player of the Tournament goes to Abi Dye with a .857% fielding percentage, .333 batting average, on base % of .400, slugging .556%, 2 singles, 4 doubles and 6 RBI's. She is also going to be featured in the Cleveland Daily Banner as the Check into Cash Player of the Week.
Great job Lady Raiders! I am very proud of your performance and improvement. Current record is 4-5.
