Hard work earned the South Effingham Angels 12 and under fast-pitch softball team a spot in the nationals. Hard work is helping them secure their trip to Indiana.
The USA/ASA girls Class A 12-under fast pitch national softball championship will be held in Bloomington, Ind., beginning next week.
“We’re very excited,” said Shelby Wilson. “It’s a once in a lifetime chance.”
Getting there could cost about $2,000 per girl. Team members have sold barbecue sandwiches and held raffles, including a visit to Pineora Kartway on Saturday night, to aid their cause.
The Angels earned their way to the nationals after having advanced further than any team that did not previously have a berth. The Georgia Impact won the state championship but already had a spot in the ASA Nationals. In all, 14 teams from Georgia are headed to Bloomington.
The Angels, coached by Matt Newman, are the first south Georgia team to play in the ASA nationals.
“We were in the state tournament and the team that won it had already qualified,” said Autumn Conaway. “We were so happy, running around.”
Wilson, a third baseman, pitcher and outfielder, has been playing since she was 8, as has Conaway, a first baseman and outfielder.
Opening ceremonies for the ASA Nationals will be held Monday and play will begin Aug. 3. The earliest a team could be knocked out of the tourney is Aug. 5. There is also a customary gift exchange between teams, with each team getting a designated squad to swap gifts with.
To help, call Matt Newman at 772-5299 or Robin Newman at 224-5081.
