Published: July 08, 2009 01:27 am      

YOUTH SOFTBALL: Spirit takes first step to duplicating 2008 success

Graceland squad captures 12-and-under district crown

Last summer, members of the New Albany-based Graceland Spirit 10-and-under softball team had a memorable season. The Spirit won the 10-and-under Babe Ruth state and regional championships before claiming the ultimate prize — the World Series national championship.

Last week, the Spirit players began their quest to match last year’s success. Only this time, it is in the 12-and-under division.

Graceland won three games by a combined score of 27-8 to capture the Babe Ruth District 5 tournament in Corydon. The Spirit started the tournament with a 4-0 shutout victory over the host team last Thursday. That was followed by a 12-2 trouncing of Salem last Saturday.

Graceland carried that momentum into last Sunday’s championship game with an 11-6 triumph over Corydon. The Spirit will vie for a 12-and-under state championship later this week as they play in the Indiana state tournament Thursday through Sunday in Hope.

Graceland players are the following: Whitney Atkins, Krista Boesing, Lauren Camm, Bailey Crouch, McKenzie Gill, Ali Hornung, Jacquie Hornung, Marissa Hornung, Lillian Hughes, Cassidy Mansfield, Hannah Meriwether and Danielle Williamson. Thad Atkins is the Spirit’s head coach, with his assistants being Keith Meriwether and Robby Vanover.