On Sunday, 9/11/11 in Kankakee, Illinois at the "Battle Royal I" the 14U Valpo Phoenix took top honors and walked away with a World Series berth at their first NSA qualifying tournament of the year. The Phoenix beat the TNT Twisters of Frankfort, Illinois 13-2 in 3 innings of play. Desi Richmond led the team on the mound and at the plate. She pitched outstanding and was 2 for 2 with a double, a single, and a game high of 3 RBI's. Bailey Slivka also had a huge stick with a double, a triple, and 2 RBI's.Olivia Vinyard was speedy on the bases with 3 stolen bases in the game.
Game 2 was against the Oaklawn Ice "A" team where the Phoenix took their only loss of the day. The game ended 5-4 in favor of the ICE, however the Phoenix battled to the end where they scored 2 in the last inning with 2 outs. Bracket play started with the TNT Twisters again where Desi Richmond pitched a no hitter only facing 16 batters in 5 innings. The offense was led by Kennedy Minko going 2 for 3 with singles to center field and 2 RBI's. Natalie Klingberg, Makayla Ferrari, and Karen Lein also had perfect at bats going 2 for 2 with a double for both Natalie and Karen and 4 more combined RBI's. Abbey Thomas also showed her power breaking her bat with a long ball hit to the right fielder.
The Phoenix once again prevailed over the Twisters 8-0 to advance to the championsip round to a rematch with the Oaklawn Ice. The Phoenix started the final game slowly with a 3-0 deficit. Sydney Hite closed the disaterous top of the first inning with a stunning catch in right field. The Phoenix rallied back in the bottom of the first with a huge single to left field with 2 outs by Becca King that was followed by a ridiculous home run bomb hit by Sydney Coundiff. Angelise Vukin was a wall behind the plate with not one pass ball for the entire game and also contributed an RBI for the team. Ultimately the medals and 1st place plaque went to the Valpo Phoenix when time elapsed with a score of 7-6.
This years Valpo Phoenix team pictured above is: Back Row: Lisa Thomas, head coach, Al Vukin asst. coach, Desi Richmond, Sydney Hite, Sydney Coundiff, Rod Thomas, asst. coach, Olivia Vinyard, Makayla Ferrari, Abbey Thomas, Mike Ferrari, asst. coach. Front Row: Bailey Slivka, Angelise Vukin, Becca King, Natalie Klingberg, Kennedy Minko, Karen Lein.