By Staff
WDN Staff Report
The Carolina Dirt Devils 97 12U team took their game to Nebraska for the Cat Osterman Experience tournament and represented Washington fantastically by finishing with an 8-1 record, which was good enough to place third out of 25 teams.
Led by young star pitcher Haley Hutchins, the Dirt Devils ripped off eight wins in a row before getting stumped in the semifinals by a tough Alabama team, 4-1.
Head coach Wendy Godley said she was proud of her team’s play in the tournament.
“When we embarked on our once in a lifetime journey, I had no idea my girls would play with so much heart. We defeated every team in pool play and finished third in single elimination play, giving up only five earned runs and scoring 64 runs,” Godley said. “Only one team out of the 25 there can say they finished as good as that or better. I am extremely proud of my Dirt Devils and what they accomplished last week. I love those girls.”
Hutchins put forth an amazing effort during her time in Nebraska. The young hurler racked up an 8-1 record, striking out a tournament record 53 batters in 47 innings and finished with a 1.15 ERA.
 “Haley Hutchins completely dominated the various Midwestern and Southwestern champions this tournament drew,” assistant coach Greg Dority said. “Her fastball was clocked at 59 MPH and her slider was darting through the zone — the other teams had no chance.”
It wasn’t only pitching that helped the Devils dominate, the squad’s dedication to small-ball style play helped them topple bigger foes.
“At one point or another in the tournament, eleven of the 12 girls on the roster slapped from the left side as part of our modern-game attack,” Dority said. “This offensive style paralyzed the other squads and created space for our running game. We learned a great deal in preparation for the National Championships next year.”
The Dirt Devils effort was recognized by their peers, as the following girls were inducted into the United States Girl’s Softball Hall of Fame: (from Beaufort County) Kendall Alligood, Catie Dority, Haley Hutchins, Adriana Tyson, (from Martin County) Marieva Daniels, Jordan Harris and Kaitlyn Ivey.