MP 12U softball takes state tournament by storm

The Mt. Pleasant Storm 12U softball team was crowned the 2013 Iowa ASA ?C? State Champions, after they defeated the I-Club Fierce on Sunday night in the championship game, 6-2.

The Storm also defeated the Linn-Mar Lions, 10-1; the Pekin Extreme, 8-1; and the Burlington Mudd Dawgs, 8-3, on their way to the championship.

They ended up with a 2-1 record against the I-Club Fierce in the double elimination tournament, defeating them in the first round and sending them to the loser?s bracket. However, the I-Club came out on top of that bracket and defeated the Storm to give the Mt. Pleasant girls their first loss of the day and force another game ? and that?s when the Storm came out on top, claiming the state title.

The team is pictured above. Front row, from left: Alexa Wenger, Kinsey Duwa, Bridgett Smith, Savannah Sutherland and Rayne Schmidt. Back row, from left: Lauren Beckman, Bailey Beckman, Camryn Blint, Breanna Mettler, Catie Messer, Ashley De Kraai and Riley McPherson. Not pictured: Addie Pry.

?Our girls are awesome; they play with heart and determination,? said Storm Manager Eric De Kraai. ?They play one inning at a time and give it their all. Our two pitchers were phenomenal all weekend, our defense was nearly spot-on, and the girls really did a great job at the plate. It?s an awesome feeling, seeing these humble and respectful girls accomplish something they?ve worked hard for all season.?