Submitted to Sumner Newscow — The Wellington Knights, 12 & under softball team participated in the Kansas Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament in Independence over the weekend.   The tournament was the largest Babe Ruth Softball tournament ever with 11 teams qualifying for the tournament by winning their league titles.  It was a double elimination bracket.

Members of the 12-and-under Wellington softball team.

The Knights began tournament play against Belle Plaine.  The Knights won this match up 15-0.  The S.H.E. award is given to a player for each team that displays Sportsmanship, Hustle and Enthusiasm.  The S.H.E. Award winner for the Knights was Brooke McCorkle.  She pitched a no hitter.

The Knights second game was against Coffeyville.  The Knights came from behind, scoring three runs in the top of the last inning to win the game 7-5.  The S.H.E. award was given to Wellington catcher Zarien Warnock.  She had a great game behind the dish and was 2-2 at the plate hitting two doubles.

The Knights then faced off against the home team, Independence, on Saturday night.  Independence got off to a quick start and did not let up, beating the Knights 14-2.  Adrienne Norris won the S.H.E. award for her outstanding defense at shortstop.

The Knights resumed play Sunday morning in elimination play.  The faced SPIAA.  The Knights beat SPIAA 13-2 behind a one hit performance from Annika DeJarnett.  She won the S.H.E. award allowing no earned runs.

The Knights returned to face Independence in the first championship game.  The Knights played well against a team that had decimated them the night before.   The visiting Knights jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.  Independence answered back scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the first as a result of a couple of Knights errors.

The teams settled in and a pitching duel began.  Neither team could score.  Independence opened the game up in the bottom of the fifth inning by scoring seven unearned runs as a result of 4 Knights errors.

The Knights were unable to recover in the top of the 6th inning.  Independence won the game 10-1.  The S.H.E. award winner was Taylor Meyer, for two spectacular catches in left field.

The Knights finished second place.  The Knights qualified for regional play in Sikeston, Missouri, but had to decline the invitation due to scheduling conflicts with many team members.

The Knights finished the season 24-13.

Photo caption from above: Members of the 12-and-under girls softball team are from left: Front Row – Hunta Hain, Taylor Meyer, Zarien Warnock, Adrienne Norris, Lexi Saffell, Natalie Henning; Second Row – Keylee Bodkins, Annika DeJarnett, Brooke McCorkle, Emily Templeton and Keelie Cunningham Coaches: Steve Saffell, Shawn DeJarnett and Hiram Hook. Not Pictured: Jocelyn Hook.

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