(Youth1) – The PA Shooting Stars went 5-0 this weekend to win the 12U Hollidaysburg Diamond Qualifier.  The Shooting Stars only allowed 9 runs over the course of the tournament, receiving great contributions from every member of the team.

They kicked off pool play by winning two close games, defeating the host Hollidaysburg Blue Diamonds 2-1 in a pitcher’s duel, and edging out a 5-4 victory over the Cumberland Heat behind the strong performance of game MVP Jenna Lawville. They then wrapped up pool play with a solid team performance, shutting out the Frostburg Mountain Thunder 6-0, with Kylie Myers taking home the MVP.

After waiting for the rain to let up, the Shooting Stars, who earned the #1 seed in bracket play, landed a rematch with the Cumberland Heat. Relying on the powerful arm of #7 Mel Breneman, who allowed only 3 hits, the Shooting Stars defeated the Heat again, this time, 8-1.  Jenna Lawville and Reilly Gearhart, who went 3-for-3 and 2-for-2 respectively, helped to spark the Stars’ offense.

The finals of the tournament did not disappoint, as the DuBois Xtreme and Shooting Stars met in a classic battle. Despite Stars pitcher Taylor Schies striking out 8 batters, the Xtreme took an early 3-0 lead. They played “bend-but-don’t-break” defense, holding the Shooting Stars scoreless as they entered the 4^th inning, which, per USSSA sanctioned rules, would be the last inning since the allotted time for the game had expired. Knowing this was their final opportunity to get on the board, Kate High and Taylor Schies stepped up and registered back-to-back singles. With both Jolyssa High and Nicole Mengel getting walked, the Stars finally had their first run. Down to their last out and with the bases loaded, Robin Feaster stepped up and delivered a clutch hit it to right field, driving in two runs to tie the game. Next up was Jenna Lawville, whose stellar hitting had helped the Stars defeat the Cumberland Heat in the prior game, and feeding off the team’s energy, Lawville hit a single to drive home the game winning run.

With the win, the PA Shooting Stars are now eligible to play in the USSSA World Series in Orlando, Florida starting July 24^th.

Alan Popadines

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