The Blaze concluded the 2011/12 season with a strong showing in the 13U World Series in Des Moines.  Although the Blaze exited before they hoped, they had a strong showing with a 6-2 record.  The Blaze concluded with the tourneys best scoring average at 8.37 and the best scoring differential at 6.625.  The Blaze lone two losses come at the hands of the tournament runner-up (KC Glory) and 4th-place finisher (Iowa Elite).  Congratulations to the Blaze on a great showing at the World Series!

The Blaze kicked off the WS playing three great games in pool play.  In the three pool games the Blaze scored 33 runs and allowed 0.  Alex, Hailey and Molly each recorded a shutout and was supported by outstanding defense. 

Pool Play Results:

Pool Game #1:  Blaze-15; MSA(IA)-0

Pool Game #2:  Blaze-6; OK Impact-0

Pool Game #3:  Blaze-12; Omaha Suburban Pride-0

Bracket Game #1:

A 3-0 record in pool play resulted in a #1 seed for the Blaze, however, following a bye the first bracket opponent was the tough Elite Fastpitch from Iowa.  The Elite received a #2 seed following pool after a tie with eventual WS champion the Lady Sandites (OK).  The game was close througout.  The Blaze took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 3rd only for the Elite to tie the score in the bottom of the 3rd.  The Elite took the lead for good in the bottom of the 5th, resulting in the 3-2 victory. 

Elite Fastpitch:  3 Runs, 6 hits

Blaze:  2 Runs, 4 hits

Losers Bracket Success:

The tough loss to the Elite dropped the Blaze to the loser bracket earlier than they would have liked.  The Blaze were forced to make a run through the losers bracket for the remainder of the tourney.  In the loosers bracket the Blaze played well and had a 3-1 record, exiting on Saturday morning with a loss 6-0 loss to the KC Glory (eventual WS runner-up).