Website Manager

Ipswich Travel Softball

News Detail

26

Jun, 2024

ITS Junior Jaguars are 2024 Champions

What a way to end the spring softball season!

Ipswich Travel Softball (ITS) sent two teams to the Essex County Women's Softball League Championship games on Sunday June 16, which were played at Black Field, Pingree Park in Wenham.  Congratulations to our first time ever Junior A Division Champions, the Jaguars, coached by IHS alumna Jackie Hulbert, assisted by Jon Hubbard, Shawn Bowen, and Mike Brennan.  ITS Senior Tigers placed second in the Senior A Division, coached by Rashad and Julie Holman.  Both teams defeated the number 1 seeds to get to the championship and both had an amazing run this year.
 
Going into the game as Senior A North Division champs, ITS Senior Tigers capped their incredible 11-1 season, with a tough loss to Lynnfield.  All season long this team has played with strong pitching from 7th grade player Jada Holman, and 6th grade relief pitcher Chloe Livermore.  Working hard behind the plate, and at the plate, was 6th grader Riley Brennan.  There was great offensive hitting and utility playing by 7th grader Jocelyn Holman and 6th grader Ailie Hubbard.  Rounding out the team were 8th graders Julia Benjamin, Kaydyn Landry, and Keira Tracy, along with 7th graders Natalie Berthiaume, Chloe Hanchett and Lucy Webber.  Call-up players included 6th graders Hanna Hardy, Maeve McGinley and Lilah Skelley.  We congratulate the Tigers on an excellent season, and thank Coaches Rashad and Julie for their dedication and encouragement.
 
ITS first ever champions, Ipswich Junior Jaguars, held an impressive 8-2 record before going into the playoffs, where they swiftly took on the competition, putting up an overwhelming 41 runs and allowing 12 in two rounds of play (getting a bye in round 1). Earning the title of Junior A South Division Champs, the Jaguars had a tough matchup with North Champs, Pentucket for the championship on Sunday. The game entered extra innings, and momentum was back and forth between both teams. Being the away team in extra innings isn't easy but the Jaguars managed to put up 4 runs, applying the pressure to Pentucket’s offense to come from behind. The Jaguars played strong defense in the bottom of the 7th, and held off Pentucket’s best batters, allowing only 2 runs, winning 9-7, and ending the game with a strikeout with runners in scoring position, by ace pitcher, Anna Morris. “Anna is unbelievable. As a 6th grade pitcher in extra innings of the championship game, with runners in scoring position, to lock in and close out with a strikeout is unreal. Anna has been clutch all season long and handles the pressure better than anyone”, head coach Jackie Hulbert states. She continues “to add to the power from Morris, Riley Brennan is a wall behind the plate, and so in sync with Morris. Watching them work together, battling through tough hitters, is so enjoyable. It’s a connection and passion rarely seen at this level of play. “Brennan knows her pitcher and the game so well, she calls all of Morris’ pitches unassisted, and knows the importance and timeliness of Anna’s merciless change up pitch”. Outstanding pitching isn’t enough to win a championship, but the Jaguars have it all. “We have a strong core of infielders who really know the game and progressed so much this season. They put in the work, and they have the trophy (and the bruises) to prove it” Hulbert says. Hulbert also speaks highly of her outfielders, “what sets us apart from other dominating teams in the Junior division is our ability and knowledge in the outfield. My outfielders held no mercy for big hitters, holding so many hits to singles, whereas other teams are giving up extra bases on almost every hit to the outfield” Hulbert says. You can’t win a championship without solid outfielding, and these girls worked tirelessly, getting their exercise against a power hitting Pentucket team” Hulbert adds. On offense, every player contributes throughout the batting order. The core top of the Jaguars batting order is so reliable, including consistent lead-off hitter, Ailie Hubbard followed by Ruby Bowen, Maeve McGinley and Riley Brennan. “Hubbard knows how to come out swinging and get on base. Her tenacity at the plate shows, and she runs the bases aggressively, pressuring teams to make defensive errors. Bowen is a threatening lefty, and has the ability to advance runners into scoring position. McGinley is consistent and strong at the plate, and a smart and speedy baserunner. Brennan’s presence at the plate always leads to opposing coaches backing up their outfielders after seeing her practice swing” Hulbert explains. The rest of our batters shine in the moment, and always come through when we need them to.  Power hitters, Aniyah Centeio, Gwen Lees and Eva DeAmato really know how to challenge the defense. Managing RBIs and base hits during tough situations, clutch hitters include Anna Morris, Abhilasha Sharma, Sadie VanSteensburg and Grace Warren. “Winning is awesome, but at this level, my coaching philosophy has always centered around mental toughness, sportsmanship, and staying involved and active throughout the game” Hulbert explains. Opposing coaches always compliment the Jaguars on their enthusiasm, support and communication in games. “We work hard on the mental aspect of the game, and these girls definitely know how to show up when the time comes, cheer louder than anyone and keep their chin up, despite what the scoreboard might say”, Coach Hulbert says “easier said than done at this age, but these girls bring it!”. ITS Coach Jackie Hulbert has been with the league since 2021, this is her first team championship win.  
 
Ipswich Travel Softball is the feeder program for the Ipswich High School softball teams, which has grown this year to include a JV team.  Since 2020 the league has almost doubled in the number of players, and teams.  ITS has programs in the spring for Pre-K to 8th grade.  ITS has also expanded to include play in the Middle Essex League for summer and fall ball for up to 18U.  The interest, love and passion of the sport is shown through the support from the community.  ITS would like to thank local business sponsors, especially Institution for Savings, for their generous donations over the years.  We would also like to thank our volunteer Board and Coaches, without whom, none of this would be possible.  ITS is dedicated to promoting all the positive aspects of amatuer girls softball.  
Copyright © 2025 Ipswich Softball Leagues
Ipswich Travel Softball
Privacy Statement |  Terms Of Use |  License Agreement |  Children's Privacy Policy  Log In