07/13/2025
Heres a little summary of our Bracket from this week.
Super proud of all the girls on this team and all the time plus dedication they have put in to get them here.
Bayou Thunder Battles to 2nd Place Finish at FASA Nationals
Bayou Thunder turned heads this week at the FASA National Championship in Galveston, navigating a grueling bracket and showcasing resilience, power, and teamwork en route to a runner-up finish.
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Bracket Play Recap
Tough Start Against a Powerhouse
Bayou Thunder opened bracket play against the Texas Bombers Gold Gonzalez 18U, falling 10-0 in a tough contest. Despite a solid effort in the circle from Saylor Fitch, the Bombers’ potent offense—led by Kendell Wilcox (Kansas Wesleyan) and Faith Lopez (Bossier Parish)—proved too much. Bayou Thunder struggled to find their rhythm at the plate against a dominant performance from Eris Aiken, who threw four no-hit innings.
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Walk-Off Magic Against Surge Softball Gold
Undeterred, Bayou Thunder bounced back in dramatic fashion with a 6-5 walk-off win over Surge Softball Gold. With the game tied in the bottom of the fourth, Kamoree Childs laced a clutch double to secure the win. Haylie Burnett and Alyssa Hall also came through with key RBIs, while Ainsley Loftin earned the win and Saylor Fitch locked down the save. Bayou Thunder also flashed leather, turning two double plays in the victory.
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Late-Game Heroics Lift Thunder Over Savage 18U
In a tight 4-2 battle against Savage 18U, Haley Richards broke a tie with a two-run sacrifice fly in the third to seal the win. Burnett picked up the win in the circle, while Childs stayed hot with two hits. The Thunder defense again stood strong, allowing zero earned runs in the contest.
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Revenge Over the Bombers
Bayou Thunder got another shot at Texas Bombers Gold Gonzalez 18U, and this time, they made it count—winning 4-1 in a statement game. After falling behind early, Bayou Thunder rallied behind Saylor Fitch’s steady pitching and timely hitting from Megan Gafford and Braylee Cedus, who delivered back-to-back RBI singles. Childs stayed red-hot, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.
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Cedus Slam Propels Thunder Past Texas Insanity
The Thunder offense exploded in a 7-6 win over Texas Insanity 16/18U, powered by a grand slam from Braylee Cedus and a solo shot from Kamoree Childs. While Insanity mounted a furious comeback, Haylie Burnett and Ainsley Loftin combined to hold off the rally. Cedus and Hall also wreaked havoc on the basepaths with multiple steals.
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Slugfest Against Sneaky Cleats Johnson Ends in Narrow Loss
In a high-octane semifinal, Bayou Thunder fell 9-2 to Sneaky Cleats Johnson, despite a pair of home runs from Cedus. Sneaky Cleats erupted in the fourth, capped by a grand slam from Chesney. Despite the loss, Bayou Thunder fought hard and made key defensive plays, including a double play.
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Final Notes
Bayou Thunder showcased their grit, talent, and heart over a long week of competitive softball. From walk-offs to home run heroics, this team played with passion and resilience. Bayou Thunder earned every bit of their 2nd place at nationals.
Congratulations to Bayou Thunder on an incredible run at FASA Nationals!