SIOUX FALLS - A Mitchell area softball team stepped up to the plate to win a state youth championship over the weekend in Sioux Falls.
The 14-and-under Venom Sting, a Mitchell-area youth softball team went 6-0 and claimed the C Division state championship at the South Dakota ASA/USA Youth Fastpitch State Tournament at Sherman Park in Sioux Falls.
The tournament was capped with a 19-3, four-inning victory over the Pierre Pride during Sunday's championship round. It's the first time in Venom Club Softball history that a Venom team has won a youth fastpitch state championship.
In a 17-team bracket, Venom was in a play-in game to start the tournament and had one extra game to play to reach the title. Venom beat the Marauders 13-6 in the opening round, followed by a 9-8 win over Fury Flames, a 15-9 win over Elite 9 in the winner's bracket quarterfinals, a 5-4 win over Elk Point-Jefferson and a 13-9, extra-inning victory over Madison Force in the winner's bracket final before the Sting dispatched Pierre Pride, which came through the loser's bracket to reach the title game.
The team took third place last year in the state tournament at its age group.
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"We are so proud of these young players," said coach Eric Klooz. "As a first-year 14-and-under team with six girls young enough to play 12-and-under. we are simply amazed at what they have accomplished.".
Members of the team include Mitchell's Erica (Johnny) Thompson, Kelsey Amick, Camryn Krogman, Kazlyn Schulz, Brooke Parker, Alissa Mogck, Kimball's Grace Sinclair, Allison Sinclair and Kennedy Leiferman, Plankinton's Shyla Tobin and Mount Vernon's Reagan Klooz.
Klooz was the team's primary pitcher in the tournament, recording wins in all six games.
"We won because of spirit, hard work, and family," said coach Tyson Schulz. "Each year, we explain the Venom philosophy is about being family. ... It's been the Venom way for a number of years and when you have everyone supportive and moving the same direction, there is nothing that can stop you."
