Spartans Look to Defend Title as They Enter Austin Tournament

Things are about to get busy for the Simley softball team. Real busy.

Including Monday's game against Hill-Murray, the Spartans play 12 games in the next 14 days. That includes competing in the Austin High School/Elks Club Fastpitch Invitational on Friday and Saturday at Todd Park in Austin. The Spartans have competed in the tournament for over 25 years. The event is always one of the highlights of the season, said Simley coach Kelly Darrow.

"It's always a fun tournament," Darrow said. "There’s great competition, but for us, it's really a chance to go away as a team and bond. Every year we go down there and no matter the results, we really enjoy everything about the tournament."

That was the case last season, when the Spartans won all three games and took the tournament title. Many of the players who excelled in the tournament are back this year and will again be making the trip to Austin, including senior Brittany Willaert and junior Jordan Sheridan. Last year, Willaert hit a two-run home run to pace the Spartans in a 3-1 opening game win over St. Peter, while Sheridan hit a home run in a 3-2 championship game win over Rochester Mayo. Both are returning All-Tournament players.

Also back is sophomore Emily Skov, who hit a three-run home run in a 15-5 win over Austin in the second game of the tournament last year. So is junior pitcher Celina Nehmer, who earned the win in last year's game against Austin. Simley opens the tournament against Belle Plaine Friday and will play Austin or Dover-Eyota in the second game. Other teams competing include Eden Prairie, Hill-Murray, Mounds View and Rochester Mayo.

"We’re thrilled Simley is returning," said Austin coach Tina Strauss. "We always expect Simley to bring a very competitive team. This year is no different. We have some amazing teams in our tournament. I think every team that comes to this tournament has the opportunity to win the tournament, but there will be an eye on Simley as they come back to defend their title."

Simley will bring a roster of 18 girls to the tournament, making the off field events that much more of a team-oriented function. Every year the Austin Elks Club provides a full breakfast for all the players, managers, and coaches. All teams sit down in one room together to share a meal, meet others and enjoy conversations.

"This is a very unique aspect of our tournament," said Strauss. "I’ve had girls be introduced at this tournament that will be future college teammates.  We are very proud to host this tournament and look forward to the continued tradition of great fellowship and competition."