Palm Coast 10U softball places sixth at state tournament

Pitcher Ashley Sampselle was a standout for Palm Coast, throwing 16.1 innings and striking out 26 batters in the tournament.

By Ray Boone
| 3:16 p.m. July 9, 2018

Palm Coast Little League's 10U all-star team, the first Palm Coast softball team to advance to states, finished sixth in the tournament. Courtesy photo

Ashley Sampselle throws a pitch. Courtesy photo

Palm Coast's 10U all stars celebrate their Game 1 win over Defuniak. Courtesy photo

Palm Coast Observer
Sports

Palm Coast Little League’s 10-and-under all-star softball team competed in the state tournament on July 7-8.

Palm Coast played Defuniak Springs for their first game, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning. After two lightning delays, Palm Coast’s bats stayed hot, as they went on to defeat Defuniak 16-7. Pitcher Ashley Sampselle struck out 11 batters.

Palm Coast faced Zephyrhills for their second game. Zephyrhills run-ruled Palm Coast 15-2.

In their third game, Palm Coast competed against Inverness, the top team in the pool. Gia Piazza recorded the only hit of the game for Palm Coast, as they were shut out 10-0.

Palm Coast’s 10U all stars, who were the only Palm Coast Little League softball team to ever advance to the state tournament, ended the season ranked sixth in the state.