South Dakota Fusion Black Makes Elite 8 at USSSA World Series

After wrapping up a long weekend and battling back from the losers bracket to win the 14u class A state title on Sunday July 20th, the new South Dakota state champs only had a few hours to rest before they needed to be in Kansas for the USSSA B World Series Monday for opening ceremonies. The ladies picked up in Kansas right where the left off in South Dakota.

South Dakota Fusion Black went 8-3 on the week and finished 7th out of 80 teams.

The Black went 2-1 in pool play on Tuesday and Wednesday, including wins against teams from Kansas and Colorado, and an 8 inning loss to the Kansas Dominators.

Double elimination bracket play started on Thursday and Fusion Black beat the Kansas Originals 8-2 in our only game of the day. The highlight of the game was Ceci Heiberger's slap hit that scored 3 runs.

Click here to see photos of the tournament.

Despite a late 3 run rally Friday afternoon, Fusion lost 5-4 to the Omaha Quakes Red, putting the Black in the losers bracket. That same night, the ladies in black beat the Missouri Phantoms 8-0 under the lights to stay alive.

On Saturday, with only one loss between Fusion Black and elimination, our girls battled 95-degree heat and high humidity to get three wins over teams from New Mexico, Kansas and Minnesota.

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Sunday morning, Fusion Black jumped to an early 2 run lead, and great defense held the previously hard hitting and high scoring Topeka Rage to just three runs. Black scored three runs late to win and advance to the tournament's Elite 8 before falling to the Kansas Dominators 2-1.

Fusion’s Laura Hurley was named to the USSSA All Tournament team following Blacks final game.

Fusion Black outscored their opponents 61-21 over the tournament.

Complete tournament results can be found at: http://www.playmsp.com/fastpitch_worldSeries1416.aspx.

South Dakota Fusion Black Wins USSSA World Series Sportmanship Award

To say it has been a successful summer for the South Dakota Fusion Black would be an understatement. But of all the trophies over the last few months, the girls may have picked up their most important award following their final game of the season at the USSSA B World Series in Overland Park, Kansas.

USSSA officials awarded the Fusion for their sportsmanship on the final day of the World Series. Tournament officials told the girls they won the award based on their actions both on and off the field throughout the week, respect for others at the tournament, their fans behavior, and their appearance. The USSSA said they had noticed the girls early in the week, and continued to watch them through the tournaments final day. Our girls were chosen from 80 teams to receive the award.

While the Fusion Black would have liked to have won the tournament, USSSA officials told them that this is the most important award of the week. Our girls were honored to accept as and we believe this award is a reflection of our entire organization.

2008 South Dakota State 14U "A" Division Champs: The South Dakota Fusion Black