Team members and coaches of Hartselle’s 6U softball all-stars, from left, are: (front row) Zoe Hitt, Chloe Maner, Anna Kate Howell, Lilly Douglas, AnnaBeth McCormick, and Isabella Guest; (second row) Allyuh Jones, Katie Gillot, Halli Watson, Caroline Coulter, Leslie Welch and Anna Hampton Burroughs; (back row) coaches Bridgette Guest, Chad Guest, Morgan Coulter, Dan Coulter, Johnny Howell and Jennifer Howell. | Special to the Enquirer

Hartselle Softball League’s 6U softball all-stars punched their ticket for the 2014 USSA World Series by finishing second in state tournament competition in Vestavia Hills on June 28.

They will face an unnamed opponent in the opening round of the World Series on July 15, following a welcome ceremony and parade. on July 14. The tournament is double elimination and will be played at Gulf Shores. It will feature top teams from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana.

“This team has really jelled together,” said coach Johnny Howell. “It had to fight back in the loser’s bracket to reach the final at the state tournament, winning three games against Birmingham area teams. Players, coaches and parents are on the same page and looking forward to the World Series.”
“The girls have a great attitude,” he added.. “We’re practicing in the heat four days a week and they don’t seem to mind at all. If fact, they’d rather be on the field practicing than sitting at home.”

The team compiled a 23-3 record in post-season action, winning two pre-area tournaments and a district tournament.

A season highlight was winning championship honors in a NSA travel team tournament, scoring 84 runs while allowing their opponents only four runs.

“Howell said several girls on the team have home runs to their credit and the defense is making plays all over the field.

The all-stars have a car wash scheduled Saturday to help raise money for the trip. They also are selling pizza cards and “31” raffle cards.