By Kirk Stewart
Los Angeles has several famous boulevards. Sunset Boulevard; Santa Monica Boulevard; Wilshire Boulevard; and Hollywood Boulevard just to name a few. But, if you go to the youth softball fields in Bryant, and say the word “boulevard”, you’ll get back two words… “The Babes”.
Bryant’s own Boulevard Babes 6-Under softball team is on an unprecedented roll. With a current overall record of 41-5, the Babes have amassed several tournament victories. They have won first place in the Sardisfest Tournament, the Bryant Classic and the Benton “Knocking Off the Ice” Tournament. They also placed second in the Bryant Preseason Classic. Participating in a tournament in Oklahoma, the Babes placed third in a field that included some of the strongest teams from Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.[more]
This past weekend, the Babes posted a perfect 5-0 record in the Wally Hall classic tournament in Benton. They defeated the Thunder02, the Lady Bugs and the Sassy Sisters in pool play then knocked off the Lady Bugs and the Thunder once again to claim the crown.
Currently the team is undefeated in league play – a feat that is very tough to accomplish. Coach Brian Hardin says that it is a total team effort. He expounds on how each girl contributes in a big way to make the Babes a top 6U team in the state. “Left fielder Maddie Holliman made a catch on a pop fly in the tournament that was amazing – like a 10-year-old.” He also commented on the fine hitting of Brianna Hardin, their clean-up hitter, great defense of Callie Rogers and Madelyn Thompson, Samantha Steele and went on to say that he could point out several things about each girl that was a huge contribution to the teams success.
The Babes are, back from left, Maddie Holliman, Ashley Ward, Brianna Hardin, Macie Carter, Madison “Mad Dog” Scifres; front, Callie Rogers, Emily Hopper, Madelyn Thompson, Samantha Steele, Keelin Fullen, Jessica Hebenstreit; and, not pictured, Maddy Ray.
