MOUNT VERNON — Six girls from Knox County joined forces on Tuesday, lifting the Central Ohio District girls softball team to a 5-0 championship held at Pickerington Central High School.
Officially called the Underclassman Tournament, the event was an All-Star tournament open to players who have not yet reached their senior year.
The Central Ohio team fielded players from Mount Vernon, Danville and Utica. According to Yellow Jackets coach Ryan Pentz, the event drew the attention of more than just families and friends.
“Several coaches (college level) came to me and asked about different girls on the team. If one girl gets recruited out of this, it is worth it,” Pentz said.
Softball All-stars
Six divisions, based on geographical location, participated in the tournament. Mount Vernon’s sophomore Harley Styndl, a catcher, junior pitcher Gabby Beck, and sophomore Mea Joyner at shortstop, were among the players representing the Central Division.
Division VI state softball champions Danville had freshman Morgan Hinkens splitting her time between catching and first base. Freshman Dalayna Parker pitched and played shortstop and outfield, while freshman Kaylee Martin was at third base, shortstop, and the outfield.
Rounding out the Central team were Utica’s MaKenzie Fletcher, along with players from Liberty Union, Marysville, Gahanna, Big Walnut, Pickerington Central, Pickerington North, Granville, and Buckeye Valley.
Pentz had several reasons for coaching the softball All-Stars.
“While it is 80 or more hours, it is an honor to work with such talented athletes and the other coaches,” he said.
“In order to try out for the team, a player must be selected by her coach and be a freshman, sophomore, or junior and be listed on the varsity roster. The final decision on who makes the cut is up to me, but I do not evaluate my own players. I leave that up to my assistant, Jeff Hill.”
Hill is the head coach at Pickerington North.
“I can’t have more than three players from each team and prefer players who have not yet committed to a college,” Pentz said.
He concentrates on two classes in particular.
“I focus on freshmen and sophomores; they still have more time to develop,” the coach said. “I had two players who were eligible, but they played in this tournament for two years, and I want to allow more players to compete here.”
Hard work pays off
The path to winning the championship took the team through victories over the Northeast District (8-2); Southeast District (no final score available), East District (6-2); Northeast District (12-5) and in a nailbiter, a 10-9 decision over the Southwest District.
Joyner echoed her coach’s thoughts.
“Playing in the underclass games was an amazing experience that I’m very grateful for,” Joyner said. “It was exciting to compete with talented athletes from different schools while representing my team.”
Hinkins said the interaction with other teams made it very special.
“It was super fun to play and meet girls from other schools. They were so nice and supportive, and that is what made it fun,” she said.
Martin was proud to wear the Blue Devil uniform on the big stage.
“It was an honor to represent Danville in the underclass tournament,” she said.
Beck was happy to don the Yellow Jacket colors again, too.
“It was a great feeling being selected for the team and given the opportunity to put on my Jackets uniform and compete against great competition,” she said.
Parker reminded everyone of the great season her team had.
“It was an honor to be selected,” Parker said. “It felt like a real accomplishment for all the hard work I have put in.
“I was truly blessed to represent Danville, especially after our big state championship win.”