Huge experience

GULF SHORES, AL -- When a team reaches one of their pre-season goals, anything beyond that is considered lagniappe.
For the VPGSA 8U All-Stars, a trip to the USSSA World Series was one of those goals the team had set for themselves before the all-star season began.
So, the time spent at the World Series gave the team the opportunity to gain some valuable experience, not just on the field but also in the time spent soaking in the atmosphere.
“We wanted the chance to come here and compete at the highest level,” stated head coach Tommy Fontenot. “It was great to see the girls compete and have so much fun.”
“These girls may never have the opportunity again to get to play in such a big event against teams from all over,” he continued. “I am just proud I was able to be a part of this with them, and I am so proud of how they represented this town and this league.”
Ville Platte began the tournament against the Bridgeport All-Stars. The Evangeline Parish crew struck early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Bridgeport was able to answer that and the game was tied at 2-2.
Bridgeport collected six runs in the next two innings, while Ville Platte was only able to plate a lone run in the third. The All-Stars added two more runs in the fourth, while Bridgeport collected a single run to cap off a 15-5 win.
Ville Platte stormed back in their second game. After falling behind 1-0 to Scott in the first inning, the All-Stars answered with five runs in the second and held Scott scoreless.
Ville Platte garnered eight more runs in the next two innings, while holding Scott to three runs as they cruised to a solid 13-3 win.
The Ville Platte bats were not quite as hot in game three. The All-Stars collected a solo run in the first inning and a solo run in the second against Heritage Park. However, they found themselves down 3-2.
Ville Platte could only muster three more runs the entire game, as Heritage Park broke through with 12 runs in the final three innings to secure a 14-5 win.
The Ville Platte offense revived itself in game four after their opponent Metairie had taken a one run lead after the first inning of play. Ville Platte busted through in the next two innings, plating seven huge runs while holding Metairie scoreless.
Ville Platte finished the game by collecting five more runs in the fourth inning as they ran past Metairie 12-2 for the win.
The final game for Ville Platte found them facing Bridgeport once again. Unfortunately, this game followed the same pattern as their previous meeting, with Bridgeport earning a 15-3 win.
“Our journey here could not have happened without a lot of help,” said Fontenot. “My assistant coaches Adam Breaux, Mel Delahoussaye and Robbie Perron were amazing in the way they handled the girls and prepared them for the season. It’s good when you have amazing people behind you.”
“Our parents were the best,” he continued. “They truly supported the girls and the coaches. Everyone in Ville Platte contributed in some way to allow these girls to gain this experience. I want to thank the entire community for their help.”