Sports

Bama Gold rallies through consolation bracket before second loss

By Griffin Pritchard
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The summer softball season has finally ended for a pair of Wetumpka Lady Indians.

Anna Theriot and Kendra Orozco’s Bama Gold 16-Under travel softball team was eliminated from the ASA National Tournament in Owensboro, Ky., after battling through the elimination bracket.

The tournament, which consisted of more than 140 Class A Travel softball teams from across the United States, was held the last week of July.

“In Class A travelball you face some good teams and see some good pitching,” said Orozco following the tournament. “You see pitching that you will not face in high school ball. The bottom line is that you have to hit the ball and have a solid defense every game.”

Bama Gold began pool play with two losses. Bracket play began July 30, and Bama Gold lost its first elimination game to ARK Oregon Legacy, 6-2.

“This was a wonderful experience,” said Orozco. “There were only two other teams from the state of Alabama that qualified.”

One day later, Bama Gold rallied to eliminate the Houston Powers 7-3 and the Pennsylvania Stings 6-0.

The tournament came to a close for Bama Gold with a 4-0 loss to the Michigan Midwest Lakers.

“We just simply didn’t hit the ball,” said Orozco.

For the tournament, Orozco rattled off four singles, three doubles and one home run. She also scored five runs and drove in four. Theriot accounted for two singles, a home run and three RBIs.

The 2009 16U National Tournament will be held in Sioux Falls, S.D.

While the summer season’s end is only a few weeks past, the fall season is quickly approaching.

Bama Gold will compete in a trio of Birmingham-based tournaments and the Ronald McDonald Tournament in Houston.

“If you would like to make a contribution to our travel ball organization to help with expenses, you may call 546-2513 for more information,” said Orozco.

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