Blaze earns national berth

Members of the Blaze Red are, from left, front row - Rachel Kline, Shayna Baughman, Diamond Byers, Shayla Murray; second row - Karah Knight, Julie Garlick, Bethnay Stavrakas, Brittany Norling; third row - coach Rodney Byers, Kaite Shaak, coach Bob Kline, Jenna Crunkleton, coach Greg Crunkleton. Not pictured are Erin Garns and Amber Crider.

FAYETTEVILLE - The Mason Dixon Blaze Red 14 travel softball team captured second place in the USSSA Central/Western State Championship, which was held June 9 and 10.

The Blaze earned a number one seed in pool play on Saturday winning three games including victories vs. PA Shooting Stars (4-3), Pittsburgh Pride (14- 1) and Lancaster Lazers (8-1).

The Blaze opened Sunday play with a 4-2 victory over PA Shooting Stars, sending them to the championship game versus PA Krunch Blue. The Krunch jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the second inning, but the Blaze team responded in the final three innings to close the final margin to 8-7 as they had the winning run on second base in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Blaze earned a national berth to Orlando, FLwith their second place finish.

Leading hitters for the weekend were Katie Shaak, who had 10 hits. Rachel Kline and Julie Garlick added eight hits apiece. Jenna Crunkleton earned the victory over Pittsburgh Pride throwing a three-hitter and Shayla Murray posted the victory versus Lancaster Lazers, giving up five hits. Kline earned both victories over PA Shooting Stars, giving up a combined seven hits and issuing zero walks while striking out 12 batters. Kline also pitched six innings in the final game giving up two hits, striking out four and not issuing a free pass.