By Kyle Roberts
After a magical run through the Dixie All-Stars in July, the 6U SweeTees represented Ruston and Louisiana well in the World Series this past weekend, beating Tennessee on the first day before losing to both Georgia and Florida to end their run.
“Overall, all of the girls batting improved along with their fielding,” SweeTees coach Travis Whitehead said. “Their experience playing at this level in the World Series will always be looked back on as a huge accomplishment for them and the Ruston Community. Back-to-back State Championships for 6U SweeTees is a huge accomplishment.”
After arriving on Friday afternoon in Alexandria, La., the team was treated to a banquet where they were recognized for all of their accomplishments getting to the World Series.
On Saturday morning, the SweeTees rallied on to win 18-15 against Tennessee and were treated to coke floats by the hotel for winning.
Sunday morning, the SweeTees were the visitors against Georgia, who had a bye coming into the weekend. Georgia would win a nailbiter 13-12, forcing the SweeTees to play Florida Sunday evening.
As the heat of the day became problematic, multiple umpires had to be taken out by ambulance due to heat exhaustion, moving the last game over two hours. Florida would come out on top 25-4, ending the SweeTees’ run.
For Whitehead, the run speaks to how far Dixie softball has come for the Ruston community.
“I just encourage all of the Ruston community to sign their girls up for AllStars, and let’s make it three consecutive State Championships heading to the World Series,” Whitehead said. “Our district is on the right track, and I hope they continue to improve our program for that. I’ve enjoyed every moment and have taken a lot of great experiences to apply in my life not only as a coach but an individual.
“The parents have backed all of us coaches and we had our girls backs to the end of the tournament and even into their future.”
The full SweeTees roster:
Kamryn Salter
Annastyn Whitehead
June Johnson
Madelyn Letendre
Caitlyn Cato
Grayson Lantrip
Mary Lyla Buck
Skylar Patterson
Nena Voorhees
Ella Rose Kavalir
Callie Hoefler
Charlie Cherry
Coaches:
Travis Whitehead
Whitney Buck
Maggie Voorhees
Kane Rozelle
