Libertyville Shamrocks come from behind to win tourney

Submitted by Judy Zoellick

The Libertyville Shamrock U16 Softball team traveled to Independence, Mo., July 23-29, to participate in the 2012 USSSA Fast Pitch National Softball Championship.

This “hometown” team battled their way into the Elite 8 after coming from behind two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game on Bri Robert’s two-out single. Amy Abel had advanced to third. She stole home on a pass ball to win the game. All tournament the defense was solid behind pitchers Carlie Haraden and Jess Apgar, turning several double plays.

The pool of teams were from across the Midwest and competed in record 100 degree heat.

The Shamrocks ended their bid for the championship tied for seventh place out of 53 teams. They are Power ranked fourth in Illinois and 74th in the National 16U B Power rankings. Most of the girls have been playing travel ball together for six years and have fought to keep their team together under Coach Tim Haws. The girls are all good friends, two of which are sisters, and two are cousins. They all love softball and just wanted to play competitively together over the summer.

The Shamrocks are Amy Abel, Jess Apgar, Sabrina Cipolla, Tressa Freberg, Carlie Haraden, Gabby Haws, Margaret Haws, Andi Katz, Karrie Kozokar, Maddie Policht, Jane Recker, Bri Roberts and Taylor Zoellick.

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