Havenwood Blue Take First Place At 8U Central Maryland Championship

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The Havenwood Blue 8U All-Star team had a solid showing at the 8U Central Maryland Championship at Rock Creek Park in Pasadena over the weekend of June 22-23. The team notched dominant victories over Glen Burnie and South River, and a tough win against Lake Shore, before closing out a close game against Havenwood Pink, 10-9, in the final match.

“Our team showed up to play hard that weekend,” said Havenwood Blue head coach Jesse Burroughs. “I think they surprised a lot of people, including myself. Between the players’ determination and the coaches’ attention to strategize, they were destined to take home that championship!”

With a 17-2 win over Glen Burnie followed by a 17-4 performance against South River on June 22, the Blue secured a bye as the No. 1 seed. On June 23, the team faced a different challenge.

“We played a very tough Lake Shore team; it wasn’t easy,” said assistant coach Earl Smith. “We went into the game knowing that if we beat them, we would go directly to the championship game. We put a game plan together, and the girls came out with another win, making Havenwood Blue undefeated.”

Facing Havenwood Pink was just as tough. Smith reflected on that game, saying, “Epic moments, great memories made, very fun and lots of great competition.”

The Havenwood 8U All-Stars are Sophia Burroughs, Eleanor Olsen, Kendall Poling, Sierra Stecher, Gabriella Stitt, Cheyenne Smith, Jules Nguyen, Dynem Johnson, Jordyn Layne, Gabrielle Oliver, Morgan Blick, Victorine Awa and Eden Morrison.

The team is led by head coach Jesse Burroughs and assistant coaches Earl Smith and Josh Layne.

“We all took extra steps, practicing three days a week until the big weekend,” Earl Smith said. “We played game after game, all day long, and these players didn’t quit. They were striving and fighting for one thing, and that was first place! Extra proud of this whole team for this big victory.”

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