Heartland Nationals 8U State Champs

Back Row: Coach Brittney Huffman, Coach Jamie Essner, Coach Meredith Scherer, Coach Ginger Hanselman Middle Row standing: Madison Menz, Kate Mirgaux, Rileigh Parker, Carlee Ray, Lily Knotts, Jenna Essner, Haley Sanders, Georgia Hanselman, Mackenzie Lawless Bottom Row sitting: Trinity Vandeven, Teriana Crowden, Lacey Blattel, Jolie Scherer, Presley Holweg, Madison Yount, Haley Rains

The 8U Heartland National All-Star team consisting of players from the 8U Babe Ruth teams of the Benton, Chaffee, Delta, Kelso, and Oran went to the Babe Ruth State Tournament held in Sikeston, MO during the weekend of July 11th-13th. The Heartland Nationals team led by coaches, Meredith Scherer, Brittany Huffman, Ginger Hanselman, and Jamie Essner played their first game during pool play on Friday, July 11th against the Sikeston Allstars. The Heartland Nationals defeated the Sikeston Allstars 14-1. The following morning on Saturday, July 12th, the Heartland Nationals played the Sikeston Allstars again during regular tournament play. The Heartland Nationals came up with another win against the Sikeston Allstars winning with a score of 22-7 and leading the Heartland Nationals to semi-final play. Later that afternoon to stay in the winner's bracket, the Heartland Nationals overcame Boonville with a win of 16-11. This win sealed the Heartland National's spot for the championship round. In championship play on Sunday July 13th, the Heartland Nationals played the Mineral Area Bandits. In a hard-fought game, the Heartland Nationals came out on top with a triumph of 10-9. Lily Knotts earned the game ball and title of "Most Valuable Player" of the game. The Heartland Nationals were the Missouri State 8U 2014 Champions of the Babe Ruth State Tournament!