The inaugural AUSL Pro Game at the Little League® Softball World Series delivered plenty of highlights both on and off the field. Before Team Watley rallied for a 6-2 victory over Team Fernandez, AUSL players spent the day with Little Leaguers, participated in the inaugural T-Ball Experience, and offered young stars the chance to see the professional game up close.
Here are a few of our favorite moments from the day.
Planting the Seeds
Before the Pro Game got underway, AUSL players took part in the inaugural T-Ball Experience at the Little League Softball World Series.
Players coached local Little Leaguers through drills, posed for photos and shared the field with some of the sport’s young athletes, giving the next generation a chance to learn from the same players they would watch later that evening.
Devyn Netz Shows Off the Power
The biggest swing of the night belonged to Devyn Netz.
The Carolina Blaze infielder gave Team Fernandez an early 2-0 lead with a towering two-run home run that cleared the fence in center field. The blast also came over the head of her regular-season Blaze teammate, McKenzie Clark, who was playing center field for Team Watley.
Jailyn Ford Joins the Celebration
The Little League Softball World Series’ signature celebration made its way into the Pro Game.
After recording a strikeout, Team Watley’s Jailyn Ford gave a nod to the Little Leaguers and broke out the sword celebration that has become a familiar sight throughout this year’s tournament.
Sahvanna Jaquish Flashes the Leather
Not every highlight came at the plate.
Sahvanna Jaquish turned in one of the night’s top defensive plays with a diving stop at third base before firing across the diamond from one knee to retire Billie Andrews.
A Lasting Impact
The night also included a major investment in the local softball community.
During the Pro Game, DICK’S Sporting Goods presented Twin River Little League with a $25,000 Sports Matter Grant, providing additional resources to help grow opportunities for young athletes.
Team Watley erased an early two-run deficit with six unanswered runs to earn the 6-2 victory. Kyleigh Sand finished 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead the offense, while Odicci Alexander-Bennett earned the win in the circle and Maddie Penta recorded the save.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
