Rusk Little League teams go to state

Rusk Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA) has three talented softball teams headed to state playoffs this season, the Rusk Sassy Sluggers, Girls 6U Division and Rusk Velocity and Rusk Threat, Girls 15U Division. Rusk will host 19 teams the week of July 9 for the state 15U TTA softball tournament.

Rusk Sassy Sluggers

Sassy Sluggers coach Jana Eason said, “I’m so proud of how far the girls have come this season and I can’t wait to see the outcome at state. Regardless of the outcome, they are all winners in my book.”

The Rusk Sassy Sluggers had a 7 win 3 loss record during the regular season, tying with the Rusk Rumble Ponies. The Sluggers and Ponies played a tie breaker game on Monday, June 11, with the Sluggers taking home the win and cinching their spot in the state playoff game.

“I want to show everyone we are the best team in the state,” team member Alli Dowling said.

“I’m going to be nervous, but excited to go to state,” said team member Aubri Dupree, “but I think it might be pretty when I get there and I’m really excited to go to state.”

Coach Brody Walley said “I’m proud of how hard the girls have worked all season and I’m excited to see how well they will play and do at state.”

“We’re going to win and have fun, and the most exciting thing about going to state is getting to play away from home,” said team member Fernanda Bomer.

Team member Katy Walley said “Going to state will be fun because there is going to be a lot of other teams there and we’re going to win and stay in a hotel.”

Rusk Velocity

Rusk Velocity is headed to state playoffs with a 8 win 4 loss regular season record which earned them a spot in league tournament play as well as the chance to advance to state. The team finished second place overall in the league tournament despite a 13 to 12 loss in overtime to Troup.

Team member Kenyada Kincade said, “I am super proud of my team for working hard and putting their best foot forward.”

“I am excited to go to state with my teammates.” said Velocity team member Rayla Upshaw. “We had a great year. This is a wonderful experience and achievement for us and I am looking forward to that day.”

Trinity Crosby said, “We have come a long way since the start of the season and we have been working hard for this. I’m proud of our team and looking forward to competing in state.”

Rusk Threat

Rusk Threat Girls 15U softball team returns to state playoffs for the third year in a row in 2018. Their regular season record boasted 8 wins and 1 loss.

Coach Martin Pepin said, “This has been a great team to coach.”

Rusk Threat team members include Emma Abernathy, Merrion Emerson, Emily Etheridge, Lanie Ford, Faith Long, Kristen Long, Callie Lynn, Mia Overstreet, Abbie Pepin, Chaylee Rusking, Kelsey White and Makayla Willems. Pickup players for the playoffs are Asijia Canady and Raji Canady from Jacksonville.