Tomahawk youth softball squads find success in first Northwoods League season

For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk Hatchet youth “city ball” softball teams competed against area rivals this summer, as the Tomahawk Youth Softball (TYSB) program joined the Northwoods League for the first time.

According to the TYSB Board of Directors, the reason for the move was to provide the youth program with an opportunity for growth and competitiveness, which is needed for a successful program. The objective of each division is to prepare that group to compete at the next level, starting at T-ball and ending at the high school level.

The Northwoods League is composed of approximately eight to ten teams in each of the four divisions. The Hatchets faced off against rival schools like Lakeland, Rhinelander, Northland Pines, Crandon, Elcho, Laona and Three Lakes.

Entering the playoffs, the Hatchets collectively had a 25-4-5 record.

The Tomahawk Hatchet 14U softball team took an undefeated record into their inaugural championship game and came away with gold medals. The Hatchets beat Lakeland 10-1 to win their first-ever Northwoods League championship. The Hatchets outscored their opponents in the regular season by a whopping 92-28 margin.

12U also entered the playoffs with no losses, but ultimately fell to the Elcho Hornets in a hard-fought, heartbreaking championship game. The Hatchets led 3-0 in the top of the 6th inning, but Elcho was able to pull off a 5-3 extra innings victory in tough conditions at a rain-soaked SARA Park.

Both 10U teams also found success, finishing second and third in their division with the same record of 7-2-1. Tomahawk 10U (1) ended their playoff run in the semifinals with a difficult road loss to Three Lakes, 2-1. Tomahawk pitchers struck out three consecutive batters to force a 6th and final inning, but were unable to get the tying run across the plate.

Tomahawk 10U (2) also ended their season with a championship game loss, 2-1 to Wabeno. The Hatchets made the finals by eliminating a previously-unbeaten Hodags squad. The young Hatchet hitters had a chance to extend the game in the final frame, but left the tying run stranded on third.

This year, TYSB also provided a developmental 8U and T-ball program, with the emphasis on fundamental skill development and proper mechanics of throwing, catching, fielding and hitting, all done in a fun and positive environment.

Registration for TYSB “city ball” typically opens in the spring, with games and practices in the months of May and June.

About TYSB

Tomahawk Youth Softball is dedicated to teaching good sportsmanship and fundamentals of softball while building the player’s self-confidence through teamwork and positive adult role models.

For more information on TYSB, visit www.tomahawkgirlssoftball.com.