Royals 16U Claims 2nd Place Finish at USSSA Cornbelter Clash

The Royals Elite 16U team opened their summer season with a bang, capturing a 2nd-place finish at the USSSA Cornbelter Clash in Normal, Illinois. Facing pretty good competition across six games, the team showed resilience, power, and poise.

Game 1: Royals Elite 16U edged Rhino Central Illinois 16U in a tight 3-2 game. Sandy Munoz delivered the game-winning RBI in the fifth inning, while Kedzie O’Malley dominated in relief, striking out four in three innings of shutout work.

Game 2: Despite strong performances from Mady Summers and Brianna Harris, Royals Elite fell 5-2 to MTZ Braves (Reeter) 16U.

Game 3: The team bounced back with a 7-2 win over BNGSA Shock, powered by timely walks, aggressive baserunning, and another solid outing from pitcher Jenna Tuman.

Game 4: Royals Elite topped Geneva Foxes 16U-MM, 4-1. McKayla Carey’s RBI single proved to be the difference, while O’Malley and Tuman continued to anchor the defense.

Game 5: A dominant 8-3 win over Dunlap Eagles 15U featured offensive explosions from Summers and Harris, both of whom drove in multiple runs.

Game 6: A tough 8-2 loss to a strong Wheatland Spikes Premier 15U – Dunn squad rounded out the weekend, but the Royals’ early performance set the tone for a promising summer season.

Head Coach Jarrell Williams praised the team’s poise: 

“We saw growth this weekend. This group is great and can do a lot of damage when they’re focused.”