Fairfield Fury Finishes Second in Panther Prowl U12 Tournament

The Fairfield Fury 2003’s fast-pitch softball team placed second after playing five games in the Pomperaug (Southbury) Panther Prowl Fall U12 Tournament over the weekend.

The tournament featured several teams that are new to the U12 rules, with all teams being members of the Fairfield County Fastpitch Softball League. This is the 2003’s second top two finish in the past month.

On Saturday, the girls started the tournament with a hard-fought 9-8 loss in the rain to a gritty Bethel team. Once the rain cleared, the girls came back on Sunday, facing the challenge of having to play four games in one day to get to the finals.

Their spirits could have been broken early when they once again came up just short losing another heartbreaker 9-8 to the CT Seahawks Green in their first game of the day.

Based on seeding from three pool play games, the ‘03s were given the daunting task of having to play the top-seeded host Pomperaug Panthers on their home field in the semifinals. The Fury also went into this game knowing that Pomperaug owned a 5-0 record vs. them throughout the 2014 season.

The Fury jumped out to a lead in the first inning and never looked back. Utilizing a relentless small ball attack and aggressiveness on the base paths, coupled with stellar fielding, and strong pitching, the Fury continued to build their lead until they had run ruled Pomperaug 10-1 in 5 innings.

In the finals, the Fury was slotted to rematch the CT Seahawks Green. Once again, the Fury jumped out to a fast 5-0 lead and saw the Seahawks match them quickly with five runs of their own.

After an explosive first inning, the game became a defensive battle with the Fury holding a slim 7-6 lead into the middle of the fifth inning. At this point, the Seahawks started a rally that pushed them on to a 15-7 victory. The ‘03’s showed amazing heart in defeat and finished off their fall tournament season with a solid runner-up finish.

The efforts this weekend exemplified an all-around team effort.

Maddie David and Meredith Stewart led the pitching efforts in the semifinal and finals respectively. Erica Biegel provided a solid arm throughout pool play and strong defense at 2B to position the Fury for their Sunday run at the finals. Julia Minichini and Allie Clarke each provided strong defense behind the plate keeping would-be base stealers in check throughout the weekend. Madeline Reyes continued to save outs with her glove at first base. Taylor Treonze was a menace on the base paths with her bunting and ability to steal bases at will. Margaux Forget threw out multiple runners at first base from right field. Justina Holland made a key catch in left field and Anna DeWitt, Clare Edminster, and Mia Hanrahan all contributed runs and defensive assistance throughout the tournament.

The Fairfield FURY is a travel softball organization dedicated toward helping young ladies achieve success both on the field of play and in life. All of the girls on this particular team are currently sixth graders attending the three Fairfield-based middle schools.

Pictured: (Front Row, Left to Right) Maddie David, Allie Clark, Meredith Stewart, Mia Hanrahan, Erica Biegel. (Rear Row, Left to Right) Julia Minichini, Madeline Reyes, Justina Holland, Anna DeWitt, Margaux Forget, Clare Edminster, Taylor Treonze.

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