~ PVN staff report
GLEN ALLEN, June 28 — The Shenandoah Rec League’s 10U all-stars finished up a four-day tournament on Sunday as the Virginia Babe Ruth 10U softball state runner-up. They finished with a 5-2 record and worked their way through an 11-team field competing June 25-28 at RF&P Park in Glen Allen.
“This team showed heart, grit, determination, and resilience every step of the way. They refused to give up, fought for every out, and represented Shenandoah with pride from the first pitch to the last,” reads a statement on the League’s social media page.
After suffering a tough 2-1 loss to Rockville in Thursday’s opening round, Shenandoah won the next four straight and worked their way through the loser’s bracket to Sunday’s championship. They defeated Manassas, 11-8, on Friday, before facing a three-game gauntlet on Saturday — 11 a.m. Sandston (W, 16-0); 3 p.m. Peachtree (W, 9-4); and 5 p.m. Rockville (W, 4-3).
When Shenandoah first faced New Kent at 11 a.m. on Sunday, New Kent was undefeated at 4-0 and had outscored their opponents 44-11. However, Shenandoah had only one loss, by a single run, and had outscored their opponents 41-17 through five games.
Shenandoah handed New Kent their first tournament loss, 4-2, in the 11 a.m. game. Tournament rules require two losses before a team exits the tournament, so a second matchup between the two teams was played at 1 p.m. New Kent found their momentum again and beat Shenandoah 15-2.
New Kent moves on to the Babe Ruth 10U Softball World Series July 24 in Florence, Ala.
“After dropping their first game, these girls never quit. They battled their way through the loser’s bracket, playing seven total games, earning their way back to the championship against a very talented New Kent team. They won the first championship game to force the ‘if necessary’ game, but came up just short in the final,” the social media post stated.
“Our 10U girls’ incredible State Tournament journey came to an end today, but what a tournament they gave us to remember,” Sunday’s social media post continues. “To our players, coaches, and families, thank you for your dedication, countless hours, and unwavering support. While the ending wasn’t what we hoped for, finishing as Virginia Babe Ruth 10U State Runner-Up is an accomplishment to be incredibly proud of.
“Hold your heads high, girls. You played with heart, you never stopped believing, and you made your community proud. Congratulations on an amazing season and an unforgettable State Tournament! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this special group of young ladies.”
For more information on the Shenandoah Rec League,
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