Angels runner-up at state

By SHELIA MADER
Published: July 10, 2008

The Marianna Dixie Angels are the 2008 State of Florida Co-State Runners Up. 

More prestigious to the “Angels” was the notification that the Marianna All-Star team was given the “Sportsmanship Award”. 

Coach Roger Wilson said of that award, “These girls deserve it because win or lose they had a great attitude and gave it their best throughout the tournament.  They never had their heads down and never made any excuses, just continued to work hard.”

Marianna took the first game of the state tournament with a 15-4 win over Wannetta.  Winning pitcher was Taniyah Robinson. 

Scoring runs for Marianna was Robinson, Valerie Sims, Carlee Wilson, Jakivia Hearns, Kaliegh Bruner, Lexi Basford, Salena Ubias, Christina Johnson, Amy Gearhart, Maya Stewart, and Chaquisha Spears.

In game two, it was Marianna with a 10-0 shutout of Hardee. 

Robinson picked up the win in game two with runs scored by Robinson, Bruner, Basford, Ubias, Johnson, Gearhard,, Stewart, and Spears. Marianna fell 7-0 in game three against West Pasco before bouncing back in game four to defeat Chipley 6-1.  Sims, Wilson, Hearns, Stewart and Spears all scored for Mariana in the Chipley game.

With three teams left to battle it out for the state title, Bellvue drew the bye guaranteeing them a shot at the state championship. 

Marianna fell 9-0 to West Pasco to give them the co-runners up spot.

The Angels expressed their appreciation to WalMart, Grocery Outlet, Winn Dixie, Marianna Optimist Club, Rahal-Miller Chevrolet, Milton Insurance, Bank of Jackson County, Perkins and Bruner Farms, and Arrowhead RV for their financial support for their travel and lodging expenses at the state tournament.