Moorefield Junior League Softball came rushing out of the dugout to splash the coach with a cooler of water which didn’t quite reach the target, but he stumbled over the cooler in his curtain call.
Awkward silence emanated from the Hedgesville dugout as they were befuddled looking at the celebration, since they just won 18-8 to secure the District 6 Tournament runner-up spot advancing to the state tournament.
Moorefield skipper Stacey Heavner ended a 22-year coaching career and was happy to see his team have fun and noted each player meant so much to him and glad to see their growth.
“It means a lot to me to watch them grow and to play and get better every day. I am just glad to be part of Moorefield and part of these girls’ journey. We hit the ball a lot better today. We just made a few errors and Hedgesville hit better than we did and that is sometimes the outcome of the game. I am proud of the girls. I am stepping down after coaching for 22 years and it has been filled with a lot of special memories,” Moorefield Junior League Softball coach Stacey Heavner stated.
“It has been a good run coaching these 20-plus years the game I love and so glad I got to coach all three of my girls. Thank God for all the years and want to thank all the good help and those behind me all these years. And thankful for all the great kids. And parents who have supported me. God bless you, girls.”
“The coach that started it all. Thank you for all your love, support, and dedication over the years. You’ve pushed me to be not only a better athlete, but also a better person. I will most definitely miss you, love you,”Moorefield Junior League Softball All-Stars left fielder Brooke Hunt noted.
It was a bittersweet ending of an era at Sager Field, but the coach that gave it his all had the chance to field his team one last time at home in front of the Moorefield contingent.
“Last evening was the end of an era. As much as I’ve dreaded it coming to this point, I’m so very grateful for all of the opportunities that the Lord had given me. I want to thank each and every one of my Little League coaches, especially this one. Stacey, I don’t think there’s a better coach out there, you’ve helped me so much the past few years and I couldn’t be any happier about ending our last Little League game with you as my leader,” Moorefield Junior League Softball All-Stars shortstop Allie Wyman stated.
Moorefield Junior League All-Stars built a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Hedgesville responded with nine runs in the bottom half of the frame and refused to relinquish the lead.
Moorefield starting pitcher Brynlee Coppe allowed 15 hits over five innings, but at the plate would pace Moorefield with two hits, two RBIs and one run scored.
Moorefield Junior League Softball All-Stars third baseman Alexis Baker, from East Hardy, showed up at the plate with two hits, two RBIs and one runs scored along with some pitching relief.
Moorefield’s Aliyah Fisher contributed two more hits for the team and one RBI.
Moorefield Junior League Softball All-Stars hitting connections also came from Nellee Sevilla, Brooke Hunt, Allie Wyman and Becca Woodson.
Wyman scored twice to lead Moorefield in that department followed by Hunt, Sevilla, Baker, Coppe, Woodson and Madison Heishman (East Hardy).
Wyman started the game reaching base on an error, then Danica Wolfe (East Hardy) popped out.
Hunt received a walk and there was a double steal prior to a free pass to Sevilla loading the bases.
Baker hammered a two-run producing double in right field giving Moorefield a 2-0 lead.
Coppe kept the momentum going by ripping a two-RBI double into center field for a 4-0 edge.
Lelia Brafford hopped on base during a passed ball on a third strike attempt, then Thorne line out to second baseman.
Fisher smoked a sharp grounder past the third baseman for an RBI single as Moorefield went up 5-nil.
Hedgesville started with a single, then two errors sandwiched a double by Kori to cut the deficit to 5-2.
Emma plated two runs on a shot to left field and Brielle notched an RBI single after a walk to tie the game, 5-all.
Hedgesville marched forward for a 9-5 lead with RBI single by Lilyana and Aubrea.
Wyman made a diving catch and reached for the tag at second base for a double play.
Wyman added a run on a passed ball for Moorefield in the second inning after getting on board with an error.
Hedgesville earned that run back as Kylie hammered a triple and scored on an RBI groundout from Emma.
Emma scored on an a miscue to put Hedgesville up 11-6.
Wyman made a highlight reel diving tag in the third inning to help keep Hedgesville from scoring.
During the fourth inning, Moorefield collected a pair of runs.
Heishman reached on an error and Woodson singled on a bunt, then Wyman crushed a two-run producing double, 11-8.
Moorefield third baseman Alexis Baker made an alert fielder’s choice throwing home to catcher Madison Heishman to apply a tag in the fourth inning.
Hedgesville kept making hits ti build a 15-8 lead in that frame.
Coppe doubled in the fifth inning, but was stranded.
Hedgesville sealed the District 6 Tournament runner-up spot with an RBI double from Kylee for a mercy rule 18-8 victory.
