Eagles wage classic battle with Rich in an all-military final

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WASILLA, Alaska --  With softball season in full swing, the Elmendorf Eagles traveled to Wasilla to compete in the 15th Annual Mugshot Softball Tournament. 

The Eagles began the tournament with high expectations for success. However; their first game was a major disappointment as they lost 14-4 to their city rival, Young's Concrete. 

Faced with a challenge as big as Denali, the Eagles needed to regroup and play exceptional softball. 

As day two of the tournament started, Elmendorf needed to get its offense into gear.
The Eagles answered the call by rattling off two impressive victories. With these two wins, it ensured Elmendorf would continue on to the final day of the tournament. 

Elmendorf would need to put together six wins to bring home the championship. 

The Eagles came out on fire by destroying its first two opponents by a combined score of 30-7. 

The team would now face the team that beat them in its first game, Young's Concrete.
 
With revenge on its mind, the players would show their determination by eliminating Concrete 11-1. 

With momentum on its side, the Eagles continued their offensive onslaught by easily moving on to the championship round where they would meet their military counterpart; Fort Richardson. 

Elmendorf would have to defeat Fort Richardson twice to take home the trophy and more importantly, bragging rights. 

Up to this point, Fort Richardson had dominated the tournament, going undefeated. 

Elmendorf jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, however, Fort Richardson responded with an offensive comeback and took the lead in the top of the 7th inning 12-11. 

Tying up the game, the Eagles were able to send the contest into extra innings. 

Jumping to an early lead, Fort Richardson scored one, making the game 13-12. 

Elmendorf answered quickly with three straight hits in the bottom of the 8th inning to win the first game. 

The excitement continued in the second game with a classic back and forth battle. 

The Eagles entered the bottom of the 7th inning with an 11-8 lead with Fort Richardson having the last at bat. 

Fort Richardson quickly scored two runs to pull within one run of tying up the game. 

The tension continued as Fort Richardson had the tying and winning runs on base with two outs. 

Elmendorf got a ground ball to the pitcher as the final out pulling off an impressive run of eight straight victories.

After the tournament, Elmendorf was presented a team trophy and several individual awards. Tech. Sgts. Drew Timms, Sean Forney and Staff Sgt. Pete Engebretsen were all nominated to the all-tournament team. 

Master Sgt. Doug Burhans was awarded the most outstanding hitter for the tournament. Tech. Sgt. John Tristan was picked as tournament Most Valuable Player.