NWA Heat competes in world series

— The NWA 13u softball team based out of Gentry traveled to Des Moines, Iowa on July 25 through August 2 to compete in the 13u World Series. The team finished first in their pool, allowing only four runs in the three pool games.

Others in the pool were Michigan State Champions, Michigan Outlaws, Indiana's Dunes and Flyers and the Iowa Rebels.

Highlights from local players included an out-of-the-park home run by Rindy Hudson, hit over the center field fence in the final game; big hitting at key moments; great outfielding by Jordan Olds; phenomenal defensive plays by shortstop Meagan Ward; and a shutout pitching performance from Ashlye Pool against KC Angels and the Dunesland Flyers (the team that went on to capture 3rd place).

Other team members include Whitney Freeman, Kate Lacinaand Anna Thoma of Bentonville; Kylan Hensley and Kennedy Welborn from Rogers;

Haley Summers from Lincoln;

and Morgan Neal from Springdale. The team is coached by Bryan Hudson and John Pool of Gentry and Bryan Lacina from Bentonville.

Ashlye Pool's sister, Cortnye Pool, also traveled to Kansas City to play in the 12u World Series. She plays pitcher and first base for the Springdale Chicks, who placed 17th out of 72 teams from across the nation.

Sports, Pages 6 on 08/05/2009