Oswego Outlaws Win 16U Softball Championship

The Oswego Outlaws Fastpitch Softball League, the fastest growing girls travel softball league in the area, has produced another championship team! The Outlaws’ 16U team won first place at the 13th Annual Heritage Classic in Joliet during the weekend of June 16 and 17. Being brought together from 4 different area high schools under the exceptional guidance and instruction of head coach Melody Hayes, as well as support from assistant coaches Steve Wells and Pat Tracy, these young ladies have added to their ever growing resume once again.

During the 13th Annual Heritage Classic Tournament, the 16U Outlaws had a bleak start in pool play with a disheartening loss to the Morris Lady Warriors. Major contributions from Kirsty Tracy who went 2 for 4, Lena Alcozar who went 1 for 4 with 3RBI’s, Tiffani Palmatier who went 1 for 4 with 2 RBI’s, and Makayla Wells who went 3 for 3 with 1 RBI fell short in this early morning battle. Game two against the Indiana Diamond Queens brought forth another tough loss with a score of 1-5. The girls couldn’t pull the trigger, mustering up only 2 hits and 1 run by Jess Mendez and McKayla Nila.

Starting with a 0-2 record in bracket play, the Outlaws were not going to be denied a win, closing out the day with two victories. The first was a 6-0 ambush over the Oswego Wolves, capitalizing on multiple walks and only three hits from Brooke Reiss and Tiffani Palmatier. The second game proved to be a tough battle with a 5-4 win over the Libertyville Lady Shamrocks. Contributions by Kirsty Tracy who went 3 for 4, Brook Reiss who went 1for 3 with 3 RBI’s and Ana LaBellarte who went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI helped take the lead away from the Shamrocks in the seventh inning leading the Outlaws to a second victory of the day.

Still in the winner’s bracket, with a new attitude, the Outlaws came prepared Sunday morning and ready to play with a rematch against the Diamond Queens. In a heart-stopping come from behind battle the Outlaws emerged victorious with another 5-4 win. Kirsty Tracy went 2 for 3, Lena Alcozar went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI, Taylor Losic went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, and Makayla Wells had the big blast going 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBI’s. After a short rest, the Outlaws were back at it again with another rematch from a previous defeat. This time it was the Lady Warriors in the semi-finals but with a much different result. The Outlaws bats came alive with Kirsty Tracy going 4 for 4 with 3 RBI’s, Brooke Riess going 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, Lena Alcozar going 3 for 4, Tiffani Palmetier going 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, Amanda Hendricks going 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s, Makayla Nila going 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, going Taylar Losic going 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s,  and Jess Mendez going 1 for 3 with 1 RBI adding up to a solid 14-6 victory.

The Outlaws had one thing on their mind all weekend and the time had finally come for the final game play with the Elgin Heat. Already earning a bid to the World Series with a guaranteed second place finish the young ladies took the field in the late afternoon Sunday. Through a hard fought nail biter, the Outlaws dug their spikes in taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning but due to errors, gave back the one run and two more to be down 3-1 by the end of the second. From that point forward the defense buckled down and not allowing their opponent to score the rest of the game while the offense put one run on the board in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings giving the Outlaws a 4-3 victory, and the first place finish at the tournament. The weekend was a total team effort, hitting, fielding,  and base running which scattered 33 hits, scoring 34 runs, and only allowing their opponents to score 17 runs in bracket play. Special recognition all tournament team went out to Kirsty Tracy, Lena Alcozar and Anna LaBellarte, while Brooke Reiss took home Tournament MVP.

Congratulations Outlaws!!

With this successful weekend comes a bid to the World Series July 23-28 in Independence Missouri. Over the next few weeks the girls will be raising money to help pay for the costs of the trip and any support would be greatly appreciated. This is a great, once in a lifetime experience they will never forget and appreciate forever. Donations can be made on the following website: http://www.gofundme.com/16U-Oswego-Outlaws.  Donations can also be mailed to:

Oswego Outlaws

16U Team

PO Box 489

Oswego, IL 60543

Additional information can be received from the Outlaws website www.oswegooutlaws.com