Hernando Debs run smack into a S.C. powerhouse

The Hernando Debs came up short in their bid for the Dixie League World Series title Wednesday.

By KELLIE DIXON
Published August 3, 2007

The Hernando Debs came up short in their bid for the Dixie League World Series title Wednesday.

The state champion Debs rallied through the loser's bracket after being no-hit in a first-round loss to Louisiana, but were stopped by South Carolina.

Hernando needed to defeat South Carolina twice to win the double-elimination tournament. But the South Carolina squad, which had outscored competition 23-1 coming into Wednesday's game, was too strong and took the 14-2 decision.

The two runs posted by Hernando were the most any Debs team put up against South Carolina in the Dixie League tournament, which was held in Marianna.

Despite the disappointing ending, there were plenty of highlights for Hernando, which was making its first World Series appearance. Pitchers Ari Lowman, Meredith Hanshaw, Stephanie Sinwelski and Mary Ellen Langley were strong on the mound.

Lowman pitched seven innings in Hernando's 10-inning affair with Louisiana. She struck out four to help Hernando preserve its lead in that fourth game. Hanshaw jacked up a triple that scored three runs in the game to give Hernando the lead.

Several Hernando players were consistent offensively for Hernando. In three games, Jessica Kreider recorded three hits, one double, four RBIs and three stolen bases. Destinee Mormando, also in three games, notched three hits, one double, one RBI and five stolen bases.

Alex Hayden, in three games, also had three hits, a double and an RBI.

Elizabeth Letts, Heather Roush and Brittany Rudy helped out with timely hits and runs, particularly during Hernando's comeback win over Louisiana. Letts went 1-for-2 in that game with a sacrifice bunt and an RBI. Roush recorded a hit and Rudy scored a run.

Dixie Debs World Series

Hernando Results

Louisiana 10, Hernando 0

Hernando 12, Sneads 2

Hernando 7, Tennessee 4

Hernando 7, Louisiana 4

S. Carolina 14, Hernando 2

For full results visit www.dixie.org

[Last modified August 2, 2007, 20:34:44]