The Ponte Vedra Lightning 8U softball team finished fourth at the State of Florida Babe Ruth Softball Tournament, held June 23-26 in Lake City. Despite temperatures being more than 100 degrees every day and the team having only 10 players, they won all three games in their bracket.
In game 1, pitcher Lily Graybeal led the way, going 3-3 with three runs scored and two RBIs. First baseman Margaret Worrell led the team with 5 RBIs. Second baseman Helene Eichhammer had two inside-the-park homeruns in the 16-0 win over Umatilla. Third baseman Annie Dreckman finished the game with a double and a triple.
In game 2, shortstop Riley Stratton finished going 3-4 while right fielder Makenzie Larsen scored three runs in the 9-4 win over The Argyle Lady Aces. The team jumped out to a big lead in this game.
In game 3, the Lightning jumped out to a 9-1 lead on Alachua Santa Fe behind outstanding offensive performances by Graybeal and outfielders Addie Beauregard and Sydney Knecht. Santa Fe closed the gap in the fifth inning and center fielder Landry Wilson made a throw to second to cut down the Santa Fe runner ending the inning and the rally.
The Lightning went on to win, 12-8, and advance to the State Semi-Finals in their bracket. Charlie Perry, a first-year player who made the All Star team, played catcher every game.
"It was hot out there but we knew we could depend on her," said Head Coach Eugene Wilson.
"We are proud of these girls and their hard work," said Wilson. “They never gave up, and it was very exciting for our league to have a team place so high at a tournament that had over 100 softball teams of all ages.”
Ponte Vedra girls’ fall softball sign-ups will be released this for anyone interested. Learn more at pontevedragirlssoftball.sportssignup.com/site.
