By Josh Beavers
There’s only one way to say it: Minden’s SweeTees are going to the World Series!
The SweeTees claimed the Louisiana championship on the strength of a 14-3 win followed by a 12-6 victory. The team advances to the Dixie SweeTees X-play World Series in Alexandria July 30 through August 6.
“I am extremely proud of these girls,” coach Logan Hollingsworth said. “They have put in the hard work for three weeks leading up to the state tournament and it showed on Friday and Saturday. We could not ask for better players, parents, coaches and the city of Minden as a support group. Bring on the World Series.”
Laikyn Hollingsworth, Harper Barnette, Laikyn Lewis, Aubrey Chanler, Marley Bogues, Willow Still, Stella Perryman, Adley Igo, Lexie Perryman, Olivia Crawford, Conleigh Jernigan, and Anabel Sunderland all turned in dynamic plays in the championship run.
Check the Journal for more news as the World Series nears.
While there were cheers all around for some local teams, other squads shook hands for the last time this season as their play came to an end over the weekend.
The Dixie Angels came up just short in the state tournament, taking second place following a heartbreaking 22-20 loss in the championship game Monday night.
Pitchers were Presley Wood, Briley Cox, Jaidyn Smith, and Rhea Waller. Coaches were April Pamintuan, Steve Thomas, and Scotty Greer. Team roster was Cierra Caldwell, Presley Wood Briley Cox, Rhea Waller, Ella Wood, Kenzie Pamintuan, Brayleigh Lewis, McKinley James, Jaidyn Smith, Harleigh Hart, Kiley Ferguson, and Nae Hill.
Presley Wood was named MVP of the tournament.
The 12U squad played valiantly in state play but came up short. Coach Riley Hollingsworth made a heartfelt post on Facebook thanking all the people who made the season a success.
“As our all star season comes to an end, I would like to thank my players, parents and fans for your support,” he told the community. “We had our ups and downs, but I enjoyed every minute of coaching this awesome group of boys. No one likes to lose, but the opportunity to positively impact each of these kids in their baseball career will always be a win for me.”
He went on to thank assistant coaches Clint Powell and Ben Bower.
Another skipper coaching for the last time this season is Chris Williams, who coached the 11U squad.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of young men,” Williams told The Journal. “I’ve really grown fond of this group. I’ve never had a tougher squad or a better group of kids. This is my fifth year coaching and they are the toughest bunch I’ve had.”
The 11U team advanced to the semifinals before bowing out against Bossier. The final score was 5-2.
