News Summary

Fort Zumwalt West showcased their talent by winning the championship at the 18th Annual Troy Leadoff Classic Softball Tournament held on August 30, 2025. The team triumphed over Troy in an exhilarating 11-inning match with a score of 4-3. Coach Ryan Oetting praised his team’s performance as they finished the tournament with an undefeated record of 4-0. Highlights included key contributions from players like Baleigh Shanks and standout moments in the championship game. The tournament featured a total of 12 teams and left fans excited for the upcoming season.

Troy, Missouri: Fort Zumwalt West Claims Championship at the 18th Annual Troy Leadoff Classic Softball Tournament!

The excitement was palpable this past weekend in troy, Missouri, as the 18th annual Troy Leadoff Classic softball tournament unfolded on August 30, 2025, at the renowned Troy Buchanan High School. Softball enthusiasts from across the region gathered to witness a nail-biting competition featuring 12 talented teams eager to showcase their skills and vie for glory.

In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Fort Zumwalt West faced off against Troy in the championship game. After an intense battle that extended into 11 innings, Fort Zumwalt West emerged victorious with a close score of 4-3. This hard-fought game highlighted the incredible talent and determination present in both teams.

Unforgettable Championship Moments

Fort Zumwalt West proved their mettle throughout the tournament, finishing with an impressive 4-0 record. A key figure in the championship match was Baleigh Shanks, a spirited junior outfielder who took a moment to celebrate with the shiny championship trophy, emphasizing how significant this win is for the team’s momentum going into the season.

Coach Ryan Oetting of Fort Zumwalt West credited the team’s strong performance but remained humble, avoiding making any bold predictions for the rest of the season. His focus was on this particular achievement and the team’s determination.

Key Highlights from the Championship

The championship game was etched in the memory of players and spectators alike when Fort Zumwalt West scored three runs during the top of the seventh inning—a game-changing moment that set the stage for the thrilling finale. Freshman standout Kaylee O’Bryan kicked off the rally with an energetic slap single, which paved the way for an eventual run off a wild pitch.

Coming out of the semifinals, Fort Zumwalt West had already showcased their prowess with an 11-8 defeat of Lafayette. During this game, Cat Underboeck shined brightly, going a perfect 5-for-5 over two games the previous day, including a home run in the semifinal that had the crowd roaring.

The Season Ahead

This championship match sets the stage for what is expected to be a riveting season with potential rematches between Fort Zumwalt West and Troy, likely featuring in postseason matchups. Coach Lance Richardson of Troy expressed his anticipation for future contests, noting the closeness of their championship encounter. He looks forward to a season filled with competitive spirit.

A special mention goes out to Avery Dennis, the talented sophomore hurler from Fort Zumwalt West who kept her opponents at bay, allowing just two earned runs across eight crucial innings in the title game. Meanwhile, junior pitcher and infielder Kaelyn Thomas dazzled in the tournament, racking up six home runs, two of which were grand slams, along with an impressive 15 RBIs over four games.

Mighty Competitors: St. Dominic and Lafayette

Noteworthy performances came from other participating teams as well. St. Dominic finished fourth in the tournament with a record of 2-2, suffering two heartbreaking one-run losses, one of which was a narrow 5-4 defeat against Lafayette in the third-place game. Abi Mandrell, the only four-year starter on her team, reflected on the valuable lessons learned from their demanding matches.

Lafayette, securing third place with a record of 3-1, played without their key player Abby Carr, now showcasing her talent at Mizzou. Senior leaders like Sydney Berger and Riley Mulligan stepped up, with Mulligan contributing a solo home run in the third-place game, demonstrating that the spirit of competition is alive and well.

Fun and Games: Unique Tournament Traditions

This year’s tournament also introduced a fun twist: a rock-paper-scissors contest to determine the home team before games, swapping out the traditional coin flip. It added a light-hearted touch to an otherwise intense competition!

As the dust settles on this year’s Troy Leadoff Classic, anticipation builds for the upcoming season. Teams and players will surely carry this exhilarating experience into their future matches, inspiring them to reach new heights.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Additional Resources