The Manhattan Optimist Prime fastpitch softball team closed out its summer season by winning the silver bracket championship at a tournament in Salina last week.
Prime opened pool play with a hard-fought 4-3 loss to the Heat of Newton. Ember Conger started in the circle with Lila Lewis behind the plate. Knylah Wilhoite led the offense with two hits, while Jalen Campbell added a single.
Prime bounced back in its second pool play game, defeating the Buhler Crusaders 5-3.
Kayleigh Blair earned the win in the circle with Lewis handling catching duties. Campbell recorded two singles, while Olivia Kline, Alexis Beebe, Hailey VanDusen, Lewis and Lila Sullivan each added a hit.
Clay Center handed Prime a 16-8 loss in the final pool play game. Conger started in the circle before Blair came on in relief. Lewis caught before Sullivan finished the game behind the plate.
Kline and Lewis each recorded a single and a double, while Janessa Lee, Bentley LeDuc, Wilhoite, Campbell, Blair and Sullivan each singled.
Prime advanced through bracket play after receiving a forfeit from the Show-Me Sliders before defeating the Pomona Falcons 8-4 in the silver bracket championship.
Blair earned the win in the circle with Lewis behind the plate. Conger highlighted the offense with a triple, while Beebe and Lee each doubled. Kline, Lewis, Blair, Lee and Sullivan each contributed singles in the victory.
The Optimist Prime 18U team is made up of players from Manhattan, Rock Creek, Riley County and Blue Valley high schools. The team is coached by Jeff Brummett, Todd Kline and Rory Fobes.
The program expects to have openings for the upcoming season for high school-aged players. Those interested in playing fall and spring softball with Prime can contact coach Jeff Brummett at 785-556-3391 or coachbrummett@gmail.com.