The Excelsior Springs Lady Tigers softball team started their 2024 season with a commanding performance, storming through the Cameron Tournament on Saturday, August 31. The Lady Tigers won all four games in dominant fashion, capped by a decisive 12-1 victory over the South Harrison Lady Bulldogs in the championship game.
Game 1: Excelsior Springs 14, Putnam County 2
The Lady Tigers opened the day with a blowout win over the Putnam County Lady Midgets, scoring 14 runs on 10 hits. A massive seven-run second inning set the tone early. Kinley Rogers was a force at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two triples and driving in six runs. Alyssa Dean added a double and an RBI, while Reese Ryan and Bella Loeffert also contributed with key hits. On the mound, Rogers pitched five innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six.
Game 2: Excelsior Springs 5, Trenton 4
In their toughest game of the day, the Lady Tigers edged out the Trenton Bulldogs 5-4 in a close contest. Loeffert continued her hot streak, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Jenna Casler added two RBIs of her own to provide critical run support. The Tigers rallied in the fifth inning with two runs to tie the game, then added the go-ahead run in the sixth to secure the win. Courtney James and Rogers combined on the mound, with Rogers picking up the win in relief.
Semifinal: Excelsior Springs 10, Cameron 1
The Lady Tigers advanced to the championship by cruising past the Cameron Lady Dragons 10-1. Excelsior Springs’ offense was relentless, pounding out 14 hits, including two doubles from Dean and three hits from Loeffert. Rogers once again made her presence known with three RBIs, while Haley Ray and Casler each contributed two hits and an RBI. Karlee Romazon dominated on the mound, striking out 11 batters over five innings while allowing just two hits.
Championship: Excelsior Springs 12, South Harrison 1
The Lady Tigers capped off their championship run with a convincing 12-1 victory over the South Harrison Lady Bulldogs. The Tigers’ bats were unstoppable, racking up 11 hits, led by Romazon, who went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Loeffert and Ryan each drove in two runs, while Ray and Dean added multi-hit games. Rogers pitched a complete game, giving up only one run on three hits and striking out three to secure the win.
With a perfect 4-0 start, Excelsior Springs looks poised for a strong season ahead. The Lady Tigers’ dominant performance at the Cameron Tournament is even more impressive considering the youth of their roster, with a majority of the team made up of underclassmen. Freshmen and sophomores played pivotal roles in both the offense and defense and excelled at the plate and on the mound. This young core, combined with experienced leadership from upperclassmen, shows promise for not only this season but, hopefully, for years to come.
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