The U12 Jr Chargers Softball team started the 2022 season with a great weekend in Oconomowoc. The spring weather finally cooperated, and with limited outdoor practices, the team came ready to compete!

The Chargers opened pool play with a 3-inning run rule against the Slinger Storm 12-0. Sydney York went the distance on the mound recording six Ks and throwing a no hitter. The offense was highlighted by Hope Lehnen with a triple and two RBIs.

In the second game of pool play the Chargers took on Burlington Blast and won 9-1 in 5 innings. Makenna Best pitched all 5 innings, recording eight Ks and allowing just one hit. The Jr. Chargers' bats came alive collecting seven hits. Best led the way and went 2-2 with two RBIs. Lehnen tripled again in her second consecutive game, and Abby McCauley doubled and scored three runs. Bridget Dwyer went 1-1 with a walk and two runs scored.

Game 3 of pool play proved to be the toughest test for the Jr. Chargers, but they earned a gritty six inning win vs. Franklin Force 6-3. The Chargers trailed 3-1 going into the bottom of the 4th. After an uplifting speech by Coach Christine, the girls fought back with three runs in the bottom of the 4th and two runs in the bottom of the 5th to pull out the victory 6-3. Lehnen pitched 4 solid innings giving up only three unearned runs. York finished the last two innings on the mound allowing just one hit. The big hit of the game came in the bottom of the 4th when Kaylin Stendler lined a shot to right field with bases loaded plating two runs to take the lead 4-3. The Jr. Chargers finished the game with solid defense in the infield making several great plays. This victory earned the Jr. Chargers the #1 seed and a favorable position in bracket play on Sunday.

Bracket play started off with the West Allis Wolves. The Jr. Chargers jumped on the Wolves early in their half of the first inning. A couple walks along with 4 singles equaled a 6-0 lead after one inning. Stendler pitched 4 innings for the win. Six Jr. Chargers each had a hit in the game. York scored three runs. Dwyer and Aubrie Peterson both had 2 RBIs. The final score was a 9-2 victory over the Wolves.

In the semifinal game, the Jr. Chargers faced the Hartland Lady Hawks. Best was in the circle and tossed 3 shutout innings while only allowing 1 hit. The offense exploded for 13 runs on 11 hits. Isadora McCann went 3-3 with 4 RBIs. Leadoff batter Ava Serembiczky went 2-3 with 2 RBIs and a homerun. With the 13-0 win, the Chargers earned the right to play for the Championship!

The New Berlin Heat would prove to be the toughest test of the weekend for the Jr. Chargers in the finale. The Jr. Chargers fell behind early, then showed some fight late in the game. They had 8 hits over the five-inning game, however they couldn’t string them together at the right time. They battled the entire game but lost 11-2. Serembiczky and Lehnen led the team in hitting with 2 hits each.

Overall, it was a great weekend for the Jr Chargers U12 team going 5-1. Prior to the championship game, they outscored their opponents by a score of 59-9. The pitching and catching was solid all weekend and several nice plays were made in the infield, as well as some nice catches made in the outfield. The girls were happy to earn some hardware, but they are eager for their next tournament in hopes of greater success. It’s a short break for the Jr. Chargers as they head to Mayville for their next

tournament on May 14-15. The coaches loved the energy and determination the team showcased all weekend and feel the best is yet to come!

Go Jr. Chargers!