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Dream Season Ends At Junior Softball World Series
 KIRKLAND, Wash.----It was like a monthlong sugar high. And now, the Little League All-Star season has come to an end for the Escanaba Junior Girls (age 13-14). There's been dominating performances in the district and state tournaments, come-from-behind nailbiters in the regional tournament, and the excitement of a one-in-a-lifetime trip to the Little League World Series. The final moments of this sweet ride were played on Saturday as the girls lost the fifth place game to Honaker, Va., 7-0. 
Callie Heller pitching on Saturday.
For Escanaba Manager Jamie Segorski, this game was a microcism of the entire week here in Washington. "We ended the World Series play the same we we started it," Segorski said. "We gave up five unearned runs the last time we played them, and gave up five more unearned runs today and didn't hit the ball well. "It's unfortunate, but it's the way it happened." Despite the disappointment of losing their final game, the girls kept it in perspective. "It was a great experience," outfielder Anna Burch said. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing." "It was really fun," second baseman J.J. Laviolette said. "We didn't do so well, but it was still fun to be here." 
Kayla VanPortfliet bats for Escanaba. Madison Musick catches for Honaker.
"It was really cool and fun to experience," center fielder Mackenzie Leisner added. "The tournament was really good, and the teams were really tough," Heller said. Michelle LaFave had Escanaba's only base hit, a leadoff single in the fourth inning. LaFave also had Escanaba's only hit in the 5-0 loss to Honaker earlier this week. Escanaba did have plenty of baserunners, as they drew seven walks and had another girl get hit by a pitch. But two girls were thrown out on the bases, another was doubled off of first on a pop up, and six baserunners were stranded. Defensively, Michelle LaFave made eight put-outs at third base for Escanaba. The game ended abruptly with two out in the top of the seventh inning when a 90-minute time limit was reached. Escanaba's girls did not get their last at-bats. "They had a nationally-televised game to get ready for," Coach Segorski said. "I thought they would at least let us finish the inning, but it is what it is." 
ESPN interviews the Canadian girls.
Megan Gray, Megan Ray, Kaytlyn Shelton, and Andrea Burton all had two hits each for the Viriginia state champions. Honaker finished 3-2 in the tournament, and gave up a grand total of five runs in those five games. Escanaba finished 1-4. "I think we finished 17-4 for the whole (All-Star) tournament run," Coach Segorski said. "We made it to the World Series. That's nothing to shake your head at." "Well, it's better than taking last," outfielder Emily LaFave said. "But I wish we could have played in the championship game." That championship game saw Anchorage, Alaska top Victoria, Canada, 6-2. In the third place game, Kirkland, Wash., beat Puerto Rico, 7-3. And in the seventh place game, West Haven, Conn., shut out Eagle Pass, Texas, 5-0. The Escanaba girls have been the talk of Delta County for the past six weeks, and a big celebration is planned for the girls' return to Escanaba Monday night. 
Becca Piron caught a few innings.
"I want to thank all the people who sponsored us and got us here," Heller said. "People who donated money to help our team." "I just want to thank the whole community for supporting us all the way," first baseman Kayla Van Portfliet added. The girls will fly from Seattle to Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday. They will stay the night in a motel there, and then will make the 11-hour drive to the Upper Peninsula. The whole community is invited to welcome the girls home Monday night at about 7:30 at Lemmerand Park. Click the thumbnails in the "ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS" box to see a bunch of pictures and listen to the girls' interviews. Thanks to Julie Ross!  |
