Digging Out

Just like last year, the Hernando County Debs (ages 16-18 years old) softball team came back from losing its opening game in the Dixie League Debs Softball World Series.

This year, led by solid pitching and three runs batted in by Alex Hayden, the Hernando team beat North Carolina Sunday, 7-3, and advance to the third round of the tournament, held at Johnny Downs Sports Complex in Louisiana.

After losing Saturday to host Alexandria, La., 7-6, the Hernando County club came back Sunday as Hayden drove in three runs and received a solid pitching effort by Mary Ellen Langley, Meredith Hanshaw and Stephanie Sinwelski.

The Hernando Debs were supposed to play another loser's bracket game late Sunday, but it was canceled and rescheduled for Monday at noon Central time against Alabama.

"The team played well Sunday," said Hernando Head Coach Paul Sinwelski. "I was very happy with our pitching and it was nice to see the bottom of our lineup contribute."

Besides Hayden, Brittany Parker had a run scoring double while Amber Suiters hit last in the lineup but came through with two hits and an RBI. Brittany Rudy also had an RBI with a bases-loaded walk in the game.

Sinwelski added that his team was able to handle the hot weather better than they did on the first day of the tournament when temperatures reached over 100 degrees.

"We made sure everyone ate breakfast and drank lots of fluids during the day," said the Hernando mentor. "I think we got lucky because there was a storm brewing all day and that brought in a nice breeze and kept it cloudy."

Dixie Youth League
Debs (ages 16-18)
World Series
Scoreboard Recap

08-02:
Alexandria, La. 7, Hernando 6
Louisiana 8, Mississippi 2
Tennessee 2, Texas 0
South Carolina 4, Alabama 3
Arkansas 8, Virginia 4

08-03:
Hernando 7, Mississippi 3
Alexandria, La. 7, North Carolina 2
South Carolina 21, Arkansas 2
Alabama 4, Virginia 3 (8 Inns.)
Louisiana 9, Tennessee 0
Arkansas 7, Texas 2