Columbus Junior All-Stars Dominate Southwest Regional Tournament, Eyeing World series Berth
The Columbus Junior All-Star softball team is making waves at the Southwest Regional Tournament in New Mexico, currently boasting a perfect 4-0 record in pool play. Their impressive performance follows a triumphant State Championship victory.
Columbus has faced the host New Mexico team and the Texas West team twice each,securing four decisive wins with an overwhelming combined score of 60-4.
In their opening matchups against new Mexico, Columbus delivered two commanding shutouts. The first game saw them triumph 23-0, setting a powerful tone.Their offense exploded early, leading 8-0 after the first inning and extending the lead to 15-0 by the third. The team added four runs in both the third and fourth innings to seal the 23-0 victory. Offensively, Emma Beauchamp and Paelyn Etzler both launched home runs, while Kaylea McCarthy, Lila Berger, and Taitlyn Mican each hit triples. Berkley Anderson,Cambry Barten,Chloe Grahmann,and Hattie Post contributed doubles. Etzler and Barten shared pitching duties, striking out a combined eight batters over four innings.
The second game against New Mexico was a similar story, with Columbus securing an 18-0 shutout. They scored 10 runs in the first inning, adding three in the second, two in the third, and three in the fourth for the final score. Emma Beauchamp continued her hot streak with another home run, and Taitlyn Mican added another triple. Andie Melnar, Cambry barten, Kaylea McCarthy, and Taitlyn Mican all hit doubles. Etzler and Barten returned to the circle, pitching all four innings and recording four strikeouts.Against Texas West, Columbus continued their winning ways. In their first encounter, Columbus held a 5-0 lead through four innings, extending it by three in the fifth. Texas West managed to score their only three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Columbus held on for an 8-3 victory. Berkley Anderson and Hattie Post each hit doubles, and Beauchamp blasted another home run. Anderson also pitched alongside Etzler, with the duo combining for six strikeouts over seven innings.The second game against Texas West saw columbus again take a 5-0 lead into the fourth inning.They added five runs in the fourth to make it 10-0 before Texas West scored their lone run. Columbus added one more run in the fifth inning to secure an 11-1 win. Kaylea McCarthy was a standout,hitting two home runs,while Beauchamp contributed a triple and a double,and Trinity Hopkins added a double. Anderson was the sole pitcher in this game, throwing all five innings, allowing one run on four hits, and striking out three batters.
With their undefeated pool play record, Columbus now advances to bracket play. Continued success in the tournament could earn them a coveted spot in the Little League World Series.
