After putting forth a spectacular effort in the ENC Babe Ruth District 6 tournament where they did not let up a single hit or a run over the course of four games, the Washington 12U All-Stars will look to continue their red-hot ways on Tuesday when they begin the state tournament in Washington.
“Simply put, the 12Us outclassed the competition in the District 6 tournament and that’s nothing against District 6, this is a very strong 12U team,” said Washington Girls Fastpitch Softball League president Greg Dority. “The 12U team is one of the strongest teams we’ve ever put on the field and we’re cautiously optimistic about a return to the World Series.”
Last year, Washington sent a 12U team to the World Series where it placed fifth and this year’s 12U group, coached by Dallis Tucker, is looking to follow in their footsteps.
“The team starts off with three of the strongest hitters we’ve ever had in Washington,” Dority said. “First is Mary Baylor Dixon, who is another Haley Stowe in the making – and what I mean by that is she (has) academic all-American (potential) and potential to play Div. I ball. She can hit it short and long and she can field.
“Behind her is Blake Swanner, who was on the All-World Series team last year and she can play the modern game or hit it to the fence. Our third batter is Abbigail Tucker, who can do all the things Dixon and Swanner can do and also has a drag bunt that cannot be defended. Then we get into our power.”
The 12U All-Stars have plenty of power, but they also have the pitching to match.
“We will go as far as our pitching can carry us because we should be good for four or five runs against any team in the country,” Dority said. “We bring four pitchers to the table. We have Rebekah Williams, Abbigail Tucker, Summer Campbell and Haylee Simpkins.
“Simpkins is a left-hander who can throw a lot of off-speed stuff and the others can throw strikes consistency. Williams has pinpoint placement and Abbigail Tucker has been clocked at 56 miles per hour. Between these multitude of arms we have an answer for just about any scenario out there.”