Softball: 14U Loudoun Storm Red Takes Runner-up at Eastern World Series

Salisbury, Md. (July 30, 2012) -The 14U Loudoun Storm Red fast pitch softball team returned from a week-long trip to Salisbury, MD where they competed in and placed 2nd in the 14U “B” USSSA Eastern World Series. The World Series event consisted of 45 teams from NY, NJ, DE, MD and VA. The girls battled both a long list of very talented teams and the tremendous heat that is often a part of this tournament, to take home the runner-up trophy.


The Loudoun Storm Red 14U girls team were undefeated going into the semi-final against the eventual tournament winners Southern MD Shockers. A loss in that game meant competing against the Bayside Breeze for the chance to play for the Championship against the Shockers.

The Storm used a big 6th inning to score 8 runs and put the game out of the reach of the Breeze, highlighted by a towering home run by Ashley Campbell. The team sent Kayla Brennan to the mound for the fourth time that day and she held the Breeze to 4 hits and only 1 run.

The Championship game saw the Storm Red 14U team going up against the same tough pitching and hitting team they faced in their only Saturday loss. Once again, Coach Ira Campbell put the ball into the hands of starting pitcher Kayla Brennan who was able to count on an aggressive and stingy defense throughout the tournament. But despite an early lead and a tight game through 4 innings, the Shockers put together a 3 run 5th inning which the Storm offense couldn’t rebound from.

Said Coach Campbell, “I couldn’t be more proud of this team and their performance throughout the week, especially on Saturday. They battled against great teams and great coaching and the heat to make it to the Championship game. We played Storm ball….great pitching, solid defense and timely hitting. Everyone contributed and no one gave up. Being one of the two remaining teams out of 45 is something for these girls to be very proud of.”

Kayla Brennan was named “Tournament MVP” by the USSSA Tournament Director. Kayla pitched 8 games, 46 innings giving up only 17 runs while posting a 1.12 ERA.

This year’s Loudoun Storm Red 14U team consisted of Grace Sanderson, Maria Peters, Jenna Witt, Ashley Campbell, Jess Adler, Kayla Brennan, Shelby Deelsnyder, Courtney Stejbach, Jesse Whittemore, Catherine Troxell and Haille Giannini and were coached by Head Coach Ira Campbell and assistants Pete Stejbach, Jon Adler and Chris Deelsnyder.

The Storm’s success in the World Series followed an extremely successful season which saw the team crowned Champions at the 14U June Jam held on Father’s Day weekend. In that tournament the team went 7-0 scoring over 40 runs while giving up only 4. The Storm Red also took 3rd place out of 22 teams in this year’s Virginia NSA B State Tournament held in Williamsburg, VA on June 22 and 23.

Players interested in trying out for the Loudoun Storm Red 14U team for the upcoming 2012-2013 season should go to the Storm Organization website, www.ldnstorm.org for information as to times and locations for tryouts.