After fighting their way through six games in a single day, the 14U Louisiana Hurricanes topped 76 other teams from across the country to finish as co-champions of the USFA World Series.
The team, which is based out of St. Charles Parish, got off to a great start in Panama City, Fla. by finishing pool play with a 3-0 record. After entering the bracket portion of the World Series, the Hurricanes won back-to-back games in defeating the Beach Sharks 8-2 and knocking off the Show Stoppers 5-1.
The team’s only loss of the event came to Georgia’s Extreme Whippets on Friday, which forced the Hurricanes to make a brutal run through the loser’s bracket later that day.
With their backs against the wall, the Hurricanes played some of their best softball of the season by winning five games in a single day. In fact, they made the run through a daunting gauntlet of some of the best softball programs in the country look easy.
Winning five games in a row, especially after a tough loss, took a total team effort, according to head coach Keith Ortego.
“Kaitlyn Dunn made six double plays while Courtney Vidrine led the team in hitting,” he said. “Courtney Ortego’s numerous backhand plays at shortstop and Maddie Villa’s quick feet at second base combined to keep the Texas Recoil off the board.”
Catcher Julie Scheuermann made stealing second virtually impossible throughout the tournament. In the outfield, Caleigh Foto and Mariah Allemand chased down almost everything that was hit their way.
In a thrilling win against the Newburg Nightmares, Abby Alonzo hit a double to plate Meghan Gaubert for the winning run in the last inning.
In the team’s last win of the day, Marissa Allemand got on base at a critical time to keep the momentum going and scored a run.
Alexus Johnson also hit a solo home run over the center field fence, which fired up the whole squad.
“In the last inning we rallied to score five more runs,” Ortego said. “I am so proud to be a part of this…it’s very special.”
Thanks to those efforts, the Hurricanes advanced to the Final Four. However, due to rain on Saturday the World Series was cancelled and the final four teams left standing were named co-champions.
“We have a special group of girls who love to play softball together,” Ortego said. “They have developed a chemistry that brings out the best in everyone both on and off the field. They never quit and always give their best effort regardless of the circumstances.”
Ortego called his team’s five wins in a single day an amazing feat.
“From hitting, pitching to an unstoppable defense, the girls just fed off each other as they have done all year,” he said.
Hurricane ace Bella Brocato pitched 32 of the 39 innings on Friday and Ortego said he knew his pitcher could get it done from the rubber.
“Before we started the last game she looked at me, tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I got this Coach Keith.’ She went on to pitch a great game and her teammates backed her up with one great defensive play after another,” Ortego said.
The Hurricanes ended the World Series with a 10-1 record.
Their record for the season was an astounding 37-7.
Be the first to comment