SEMO Sluggers 14U Softball Team Wins World Series Championship
The FASA, Fastpitch American Softball Association, held its World Series in Branson this weekend for seven different age divisions. The 14U division (meaning 14 years of age and under) had nineteen teams from Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma who had qualified to be in this year’s event.
The SEMO Sluggers team, coached by Julie Sievers, was formed with players from East Carter, Poplar Bluff, Naylor, Senath, Paragould, Batesville and Doniphan. After winning seven straight games in the tournament, the SEMO Sluggers met the Benton, Ar, Thunder Elite in the championship game. SEMO Sluggers held strong and won the game 6-4.
Coach Sievers said “it was a team effort. We had hot bats and every pitcher threw strikes.” Siever said the decision was made at the beginning of the tournament to rotate her pitchers every inning to keep their arms fresh. The strategy paid off with an 8-0 record and championship trophy.
FASA 14U World Series Champs
Front row: Grace King, Lexi Hafford, Callee Pickrell, Grace Gargac, Shelby Sievers
Back row: Assistant Coach Lee Ray Pickrell, Maddy Shrum, Katy Deberry, Brooklyn Loftis, Paige Eddington, Taylor Clifford, Head Coach Julie Sievers, Assistant Coach Brad Eddington