LUDOWICI — The second annual softball tournament for the Long County Relay for Life was last weekend. It was a joint effort from the Wildlife Critters team and the Courthouse Cancer Crashers team.
The teams are primarily comprised of volunteers from the Wildlife Festival and the Long County Courthouse. This year, the teams played a double elimination tournament and had both a women and men’s team.
The Critters defeated Crossroads Church of God In Jesup, 21-11 and 9-6.
On the ladies side it took three games to determine a winner, with Crossroads Church winning the first game 5-3. The Critters would have been shut out in this game, had Erin Madray not hit a three-run home run for the Critters.
In the second game, the Lady Critters won 16-9. The third game was a nail biter, as the Critters pulled out the 12-9 win.
“I am thankful for all who came out, especially the umpires who volunteered their time and Crossroads Church, who put teams together for us,” Critters captain Becky Fowler said. “Everyone had a wonderful time, and we were able to raise around $400.”
The Courthouse Cancer Crashers team furnished concessions for the tournament, which lasted from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The food was provided by members, while Meritta Bread furnished the buns and Food Lion gave a $25 gift certificate.
Team captain Michelle Poppell reported that the team raised $750 with their effort.
“That’s a lot of hot-dogs and hamburgers,” she said. “We sold pickles, bubble gum and just about anything you could ask for. We also had to go get more food a couple of times.”
Other members of the team who worked at the concession stand were Becky Chambliss, Jo Steen and Jenny Mele.
“We had a blast,” Poppell said. “Everybody worked hard, but everybody had a real good time.”
The Long County Relay for Life is Friday and Saturday at Veteran’s Stadium, which is at Smiley Elementary School. It kicks off at 6 p.m.