The Town Crier: High School Sports: Manila girls qualify for state (06/26/02)

Manila 16 & Under Girls' fast-pitch softball team is going to the state tournament. Pictured are, from left: Front - Jamie Yancey, Corey Grayson, Morgan Moore, Amanda Henson, Christina Lester, Whitney Veach, Megan Ashabranner, Natalie Tippy. Back - Kacie Oates, Audrey Booth, Coach Kent Moore, Annette Hiser, Weston Moore (bat boy), Kari Rameriz, Coach Jimmy Yancey, Brittany Clark, Tabitha Shepard.
(Delta Life photo/Revis Blaylock)

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Manila 16 and under fast pitch softball girls are getting ready to compete in the state tournament July 5-7. The tournament will be held at Greenwood, near Fort Smith.

This is the first year for the girls to participate in fast-pitch softball. They played in the Babe Ruth League in Blytheville. Their record for the year was 11-1.

Kent Moore, Doug Lester and Jimmy Yancey are coaches.

Team members have been raising money to help with the expenses of the trip. They have received several donations from area businesses and individuals and held a car wash.

The girls said they are looking forward to the state tournament.

"Going to state will be a great learning experience for our team. We are pleased to have the opportunity to go and play against and some of the best teams in the state," Morgan Moore said.

Members of the team are Jamie Yancey, Corey Grayson, Morgan Moore, Amanda Henson, Chrsitina Lester, Whitney Veach, Megan Ashabranner, Natalie Tippy, Kacie Oates, Tabitha Shepard, Audrey Booth, Annette Hiser, Brittany Clark and Kari Rameriz.