T’ville Ponytails X-Play win state

Konstantin Vengerowsky/Clarendon Citizen - The Turbeville Ponytails X-Play Team won the 2012 Dixie Girls Softball State Championships by defeating Dillon twice in the final. Pictured are (front): Gracen Watts, Raghan Springs, Olivia Singletary, Marley Floyd, Jessica Welch and Elly Floyd; (middle) Makayla Anderson, Kinsley Driggers, Abby Reardon, Ka’Terria Rose, Reagan McKenzie and Abbie Beard; (back) Coaches Andrew Beard, Randall Driggers and Mark Springs.

STATE FINALS:

Game 1:

Turbeville 9/Dillon 3

Game 2:

Turbeville 9/Dillon 4

It was a sweet victory for the Turbeville Ponytails X-Play Team. After three years of losing out to Dillon in the district championships, Turbeville defeated their old rival in back-to-back games to win the 2012 Dixie Girls Softball State Championships at home on July 20, defeating Dillon, 9-3, in the first game and 9-4, in the championship game.

Since Dillon was the only team in the tournament that was undefeated, Turbeville had to defeat Dillon twice to win the state championship.

In the first game on July 20, Turbeville won 9-3.

Dillon struck first, scoring three at the top of the first.

Turbeville responded in the bottom of the first, scoring two. Turbeville scored a run at the bottom of the second and four runs in the bottom of the third. Turbeville scored one run in the bottom of the fourth and another run in the bottom of the fifth.

Reagan McKenzie allowed three runs in five innings with nine strikeouts and three walks. Marley Floyd pitched the sixth inning, allowing no runs.

McKenzie was 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and three RBIs. Abby Reardon was 2 for 3 with two doubles and an RBI. Makayla Anderson was 2 for 2.

In the second game, beginning just 30 minutes after the first game was completed; Turbeville defeated Dillon, 9-4.

Turbeville lit up the scoreboard first, scoring five runs in the bottom of the second.

Dillon scored one run in top of the third.

Turbeville responded scoring three in the bottom of the third.

Dillon attempted a comeback in the fourth, scoring three in the top of forth. Turbeville did not score again until the bottom fourth, when one run crossed the plate.

Turbeville pitcher Elly Floyd had two strikeouts and allowed eight hits.

Gracen Watts was 2 for 2 and scored twice, Abby Reardon was 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Marley Floyd was 1 for 2 with two RBIs and Ka’Terria Rose was 1 for 2 with two RBIs.

Head Coach Mark Springs said that they played well throughout the two games on both offense and defense.

“We played solid defense and had some excellent pitching and hitting,” he said.

Reardon who’s played on the team for several years said that she was excited about finally winning the state championship and going on to the World Series.

“We motivated each other throughout the tournament and knew that we had to stay positive to win,” she said.

Turbeville Ponytails X-Play will play in the World Series starting on July 27 in Hartsville.