The Wesley Chapel Darlings all-star team participated in the Dixie softball World Series July 29 to Aug. 1 in South Carolina.
The squad, which is part of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA), went 1-2 at the double elimination event. The 7- to 9-year-olds end the all-star season 9-2.
The Darlings defeated event host South Carolina 23-2 on June 29, but lost to Louisiana 14-4 and to Alabama 9-3 in a doubleheader the following day.
“In both games we started off behind and were having to play catch-up,” said coach Mike Garrison. “This is something that the girls were not familiar with. In almost all of our previous games, we were able to jump on our opponents and continue to score throughout the entire game.”
Wesley Chapel did claim district and state championships en route to qualifying for nationals. The girls outscored their opponents 96-42 in postseason play.
“Overall, it was a great experience for the girls to be able to travel out of state for a shot at the World Series title,” Garrison said. “Although we didn’t win, all of the coaches and parents were very proud of the girls. Being the best team in the state is quite an accomplishment.”
—Kyle LoJacono
