DES MOINES — If the results of this weekend can serve as any kind of indication about the future of softball in Perry, all signs point toward the positive.
The 11 girls playing for the Perry Reds 12U team earned themselves a new addition to their jewelry box by defeating the Jesup Dirt Divas, 9-4, Sunday to win the Iowa State Class C Championship. Class ‘C’ indicates all players on the team come from the same town or immediate geographical area.
Perry began play in the two-day tournament with wins of 10-3 over Team Iowa and of 8-3 over Clear Creek-Amana on Saturday. A 9-3 defeat of Ankeny early Sunday moved Perry into the semifinals, where they squashed Urbandale, 10-2, to set up the title showdown.
Rather than be awarded a trophy or individual medals, each player received a championship ring she may now proudly wear.
Playing for the 12U Reds were: Kaydee Bennett, Kaylee Brock, Torie Devilbiss, Jayna Kenney, Macy Kilmer, Jessie Mowrer, Bella Nath, Lydia Olejniczak, Nubia Torres, Peyton Tunink and Kathryn West. The team was coached by Jason Olejniczak and Tina Kenney, with Kevin Kilmer and Cory Tunink assisting.
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What the heck is 12u?
You are right in bringing this up, Joan — I should have explained. The designation 12U means “12 and Under.” As there are 14U and 10U teams, that means the players would be ages 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Most of these girls will be entering either the sixth or seventh grade this August. Hope this clarifies the issue.