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Lyons Township Blazers 16U wins tournament title
Members of the LT Blazers are (front row from left) Caroline Andrade, Anisa McHugh, Leah Faber, Katelyn Cahill, Stefanie D’ Anna, (back row, from left) coach Matt McHugh, Kayla Morrissey, Melissa Kelly, Sarah Wilkosz, Leah Nuñez, Nina Steele, Carrie Reill
Updated: August 27, 2012 10:16AM
HODGKINS — After a long weekend of softball, the LT Blazers triumphed at their home tournament in Hodgkins.
The tournament started on the dreaded day, Friday the 13th. During the day, the sky had been bright and sunny, but by game time, the storms were tremendous.
The Blazers were out at the field and ready to warm up, and then the rain came. Everyone sadly crammed under gazebos until the decision was made that the fields were not playable. Tournament Director John Reilly and Blazers head coach Michelle Cahill worked hard to rearrange the brackets and inform all coaches.
Blazers dads and brothers arrived early Saturday morning to work on the fields and had them looking fantastic for the day’s games. The Blazers took on the Thunder for their pool play game.
Caroline Andrade had the big game-tying RBI, which is how it ended at 1-1. Later Saturday night, the Blazers took on the Fury, Big Dog Express, and Sluggers. Stefanie D’Anna’s solid defense, Sarah Wilkosz’s impeccable catches, and Melissa Kelly’s excellent hitting led the Blazers to three wins that night. Katelyn Cahill and Anisa McHugh also contributed with great offense. After Saturday night’s games, Michelle Cahill said, “Tomorrow is a continuation of today. Think of it as the next inning of the game.”
The Blazers came ready to continue the game on Sunday afternoon. They faced the Naperville Diamonds and came out on top, 7-2. Leah Nuñez and Kayla Morrissey were big offensive contributors, and Carrie Reilly was awesome behind the plate. The championship game was played against the Big Dog Express. The Blazers had played them the day before, winning 3-0, so they knew what to expect.
At the start of the game a coin flip took place, and the Big Dog Express chose to be the home team. The first inning was exciting for both teams. Leah Faber and Kayla Morrissey both brought in a run for a 3-0 lead. At the bottom of the inning, the Big Dogs came back with a run of their own.
The Blazers scored a crucial run in the top of the seventh when Leah Nuñez hit a towering triple and Caroline Andrade brought her in with a right-side grounder. The Big Dogs fought back with a two-run home run, but the Blazers held on.
At the championship game ceremony, Nina Steele received MVP, and Leah Faber, Kayla Morrissey, Katelyn Cahill, and Stefanie D’Anna received All-Tournament Team status.
Michelle Cahill declared, “It was a total team victory,” said Michelle Cahill. “Each and every member contributed.”
The LT Blazers will be holding tryouts for the 2013 season on Aug. 1, 4, and 5 at Hodgkins Park District. Visitt
www.ltblazers.com/.
