Softball runner-up highlights district finishes

Dodging frequent rain bands that moved through the area this weekend, the Port St. Joe All-Star softball teams competed at the district tournament held in Bristol.

Finishing with a record of 1-2, the 8-and-under group first lost to Wewa on Friday but bounced back to defeat Liberty County before eventually losing again to Wewa in an elimination game.

Head coach Will Cribbs expressed his pride in the team, saying “all the girls played well and had a good time. They never gave up when they fell behind, and played hard until the last out.”

The 10-and-under girls earned the district runner-up trophy, finishing with a 2-2 record.

Playing two games on Saturday, head coach Ben Ashcraft’s team took it on the chin against Marianna but rebounded with a win over Franklin County.

Sunday the team began with a victory over Altha before taking a final loss to Marianna in the championship game.

“Our girls practiced hard for weeks, sacrificing their summer break with a goal to be their best when the time came,” said assistant coach Jamie Bishop. “And I’m happy to say, they executed that (goal) well this weekend, bringing home second place in the district.”

“St. Joe has a lot of young talent coming up and I’m excited to see what we achieve next year,” Bishop added. 

Coach Heather Peacock’s 12-and-under team did not fare as well, losing both of their games in the double elimination tournament.