Washington All - stars Dominate District 6 Softball Tournament | Eastern NC Now

    The District 6 Babe Ruth Softball All – Star Tournament held in Chocowinity June 21-25 resulted in several local teams advancing to the State Tournament in Kinston next month. Washington led the way with five teams advancing, followed by Chocowinity, East Beaufort and Williamston each placing one squad at Barnett Park July 7-12. Washington dominated play in the younger groups taking both the 8-U and 10-U championships. Skipper Harry Main piloted his 8-U squad to three consecutive blow-out victories, the last being a ten run defeat of Williamston. Washington’s commitment to defense was obvious as the left side of the infield anchored by Treasure Biggs and Hannah Evans shut down all offensive forays.

    Moving to more of a speed game than in past seasons that saw Washington fall short in the State Tournament, the Blue and Gray still hit the ball with authority. Emerson Davis, Abby Tucker, Candace Bailey and Lilly Wright all pounded the opposing squads with several powerful drives to the green. All eyes, however, are focused squarely on the Washington 10-U juggernaut coached by Chris Toppin which is expected to win the State title in Kinston next month. Washington sports the strongest pitching staff in the state with fireballers Rachel Lang and Kelly Toppin carrying the bulk of the load while Rebecca Williams and Haley Simpkins bring pinpoint control and off-speed strikes to the table.

    Veterans Jada Lodge, Megan Horton, Haley Witham and Megan Moore round out an infield which finds Washington pressing the opposition on the corners. The outfield is impenetrable with Briley Waters, Haley Harris, Chaleigh Baynor and youngster Mary Baylor Dixon flashing the leather against the opposition batters. Jordan Pierce rounds out the squad at catcher.

    Rookie All-Star coach Monica Waters has embraced the Blue and White transition to a speed game with several of the younger players able to bunt from the left side as well as slap-hit. Washington crushed all competition in the District with a dazzling display of speed, small ball and dominant pitching. Washington 10-U is widely expected to advance to the Southeastern Regional in Florida later in July.

    Washington 12-U, 14-U and 16-U all advanced to the State Tournament. The 12-U and 16-U squads finished second and moved on as Commissioner Choice selections while Washington was the only programme to field a 14-U team and advanced automatically.