By Kyle LoJacono
The Angels all-star team of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) won the Florida Dixie softball championship to advance to the world series.
Wesley Chapel, which includes players ages 9-10, went 4-0 in the state event in Carrabelle July 7-11, outscoring their opponents 44-2.
“It is an awesome feeling to know myself and my team get to represent not only Wesley Chapel, but Florida,” said pitcher Jordyn Kadlub.
Angels assistant Scott Kadlub said the squad’s pitching staff of Jordyn, Jordan Rosenberg, Shelby Westbrook, Riley Baxter and Logan Coward was “the talk of the tournament” for how they were able to keep opposing lineups off the scoreboard. The rotation struck out 35 batters while giving up only three hits during the four games.
Scott said the pitching should not overshadow the Angels offense, which averaged 11 runs per contest. Melissa Wark and Westbrook each had a pair of inside-the-park grand slams during the state tournament, while Chase Booker had an inside-the-park home run of her own. Jordyn also did a lot of damage at the plate, posting a .700 batting average.
Jordan Almasy and Paige Mulford helped keep the bases packed during the event, taking five and four walks respectively while added two RBI each.
The Angels played Marianna in the championship game on July 11, with the team from Pasco County coming out on top 4-0. Wesley Chapel took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Anna Margetis had a hit with two strikes and two outs. Baxter hit an RBI triple into left field later in the contest.
Jordyn had a complete-game, five inning shutout in the title game.
“I was nervous, excited and having fun all at the same time,” Jordyn said. “It is a lot of pressure to pitch in a game like that, but my defense behind me and the offense scoring runs helped take some of the pressure off. I am glad I was just able to help my team win the first ever state title for Wesley Chapel.”
Wesley Chapel is 8-1 during the all-star season this year, after going 4-1 to win the District 4 championship earlier in the summer. Overall, the squad has outscored its opponents 78-5.
The WCAA Angels will now represent Wesley Chapel and all of Florida at the Dixie Angels World Series against 11 other states in South Hill, VA July 29-Aug 3. For more information on the WCAA softball program, visit www.leaguelineup.com/wcaa.
