Marianna Angels Headed to State as District Runner Up
By: Shelia Mader
The Marianna Angels battled through a grueling Dixie Youth District Tournament schedule, playing multiple games each day while advancing through the winner's bracket before ultimately earning a berth in the state tournament. Marianna opened tournament play with a dominant 23-6 victory over Sneads. Savannah Jane Grimsley led the offensive explosion, going 2-for-2 with three runs scored and two RBIs, while Charlee May added two hits, three runs and an RBI. Kelsie Roulhac collected two hits, three runs and two RBIs, Saylor Slack scored three times and drove in two runs, and Alina Britt finished with two hits, two runs and an RBI. Ma'Kynzie Williams blasted a home run and drove in two runs while Savannah Jane Grimsley also homered. The Angels piled up 14 hits and 23 runs while Savannah Jane Grimsley earned the win in the circle with three strikeouts. Marianna's roster included Savannah Jane Grimsley, Charlee May, BreAnna Brown, Averie Willis, Kelsie Roulhac, Lakynn Singletary, Saylor Slack, Ma'Kynzie Williams, Madison Gilbert, Alina Britt, Jocelyn Russ and Olivia Lolley.
Sneads showed plenty of fight despite the loss. Rhylie Branch paced the offense with two hits and an RBI, while MayLyn Mestas added a hit and scored a run. Haysleigh Baxley and Kennedy Barbee each crossed the plate, and Adalyn Cooper drew two walks and scored a run. Sneads collected three hits and six runs against one of the tournament's strongest teams. The Sneads All-Stars roster included Rhylie Branch, MayLyn Mestas, Alisa Branch, Amelia Varieur, Haysleigh Baxley, Carah Stevens, Shriyah Williams, Ashtyn Varn, NancyJo Williford, Kennedy Barbee, McKenzie Wright and Adalyn Cooper.
Marianna continued its strong tournament run with a 4-1 victory over Franklin County. Savannah Jane Grimsley was outstanding in the circle, striking out 11 while allowing just one run over five innings. At the plate, Grimsley doubled, scored a run and drove in a run. Charlee May added a hit, run and RBI, while Madison Gilbert also doubled. Averie Willis and Lakynn Singletary scored key runs as the Angels capitalized on opportunities to remain unbeaten.
The Angels followed with a 12-1 rout of Port St. Joe. Charlee May and BreAnna Brown each drove in two runs, Lakynn Singletary collected a hit and two RBIs, and Alina Britt drew two walks and scored twice. Savannah Jane Grimsley scored twice and added a hit while Saylor Slack scored two runs. Madison Gilbert picked up the win with 10 strikeouts, allowing only one hit in four dominant innings.
Later that day, Marianna defeated Wakulla 9-1 behind another tremendous pitching effort from Madison Gilbert, who struck out 12 while throwing a no-hitter. Charlee May delivered two hits and a run scored, Jocelyn Russ contributed a hit, run and RBI, and Alina Britt drove in two runs. Madison Gilbert scored twice and reached base three times, while Savannah Jane Grimsley, BreAnna Brown, Saylor Slack, Averie Willis and Olivia Lolley all crossed the plate during the victory.
Sunday brought Marianna's first meeting with Franklin County in bracket play, a hard-fought 7-4 setback. BreAnna Brown tripled and scored, Savannah Jane Grimsley added a hit and run, and Jocelyn Russ and Ma'Kynzie Williams each scored. Despite the loss, Savannah Jane Grimsley struck out eight in the circle while allowing only three hits.
After rain delays pushed the deciding game to Monday night, the Angels returned for a third meeting with Franklin County. Marianna fell 5-3 in the championship contest, but the run to the finals secured a state tournament bid. Madison Gilbert again came through offensively with two hits and all three RBIs. Savannah Jane Grimsley and Saylor Slack each added hits and scored runs, while the pitching staff combined to allow just three hits. Madison Gilbert recorded two strikeouts, allowed four runs with Savannah Jane Grimsley closing out the final two and a third innings, with one run scored and four strikeouts.
The Angels finished district play with impressive contributions throughout the lineup and earned the opportunity to continue their season at the Dixie Youth State Tournament. They will begin state play June 26 in Wewa.
