Rita Greene
McDonald County [email protected]
The Venom 14U fastpitch softball team finished seventh in the World Series Fastpitch in Orlando, Fla., a few weeks ago.
"The girls got World Series plaques with their names and our team name on them," explained coach Bobbie Wolf. "They are ready to go back and win it all next year! They made some great memories for life."
The team made the local news when the fireworks stand they operated as a fundraiser was burglarized, nearly dashing their dreams. But a public funding campaign on the website gofundme.com provided the cash -- $6,700 -- needed to make the trip.
Venom, which played in C class, was No. 1 in the United States Specialty Sports Association's point rating system in Missouri and No. 19 in the nation, and No. 11 in Missouri in the power ranking system.
The team played at the ESPN Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla.
Wolf said the team members "had a blast."
They played two games each day, however, most of the time was spent at the park.
Wolf said it meant a lot to the Venom team members to receive compliments on their game from spectators as well as from the event director.
Four of the Venom team members were selected as Mo./Kan. All-State players: Lakota Wolf, pitcher; Kassidy White Eagle, short stop; Lacey Rowe, third base; and Rita Santillan, catcher. Wolf said she and Jason White Eagle, after returning from Florida, were asked to coach one of the All-State teams on Aug. 1 in Overland Park, Kan.
Sports on 08/27/2015