VPGSA 8U All-Stars give solid effort at PONY World Series Tourney

The Ville Platte 8U softball all-stars may not have met their main goal at the PONY World Series held last weekend in Youngsville, but according to head coach Jason Fontenot the opportunity to play on that level is something that he and his team will remember forever.
“We got to compete at the highest level here at the World Series,” said Fontenot. “This may be a once in a lifetime experience. I told the girls after the last game that I was so proud of their effort all year long and to hold their heads high because they represented themselves and the city with tremendous honor.”
The all-stars played exceptionally well throughout the season, gaining respect from all opponents. That was evident from talk around the area after their second tournament.
“After we played in our second tournament, the word was that if you want to win the championship you will have to go through Ville Platte,” stated Fontenot.
In the World Series, Ville Platte had to fight the weather conditions and a lot of down time, finishing with an overall record of 1-4.
The all-stars began tournament play with a big 9-0 win over Crowley. In that game, Ville Platte scored five runs in the first inning to set the tone for the contest.
Ville Platte added three more runs in the third inning, before tacking on a single run in the fourth. Defensively, Ville Platte did not allow a Crowley runner past second base.
Ville Platte’s next four games were all against teams from the state of Texas. The all-stars lost to Nomoyle, Texas 13-4 in game two and fell in a heartbreaker 8-7 to Machaca, Texas in game three.
Ville Platte finished with losses to the Dirt Diamonds (14-5) and Harlingen, Texas (16-0).
Fontenot was very appreciative of the parents and the support from the community after the tournament.
“I want to thank all of the people who came out and gave their support, especially the parents,” stated Fontenot. “I especially want to thank my assistant coaches Brian Bergeron, Mike Veillon and Katra Brignac for thier help. Without them, this team would not have gotten this far.”