Discussion · House of Representatives
Ben Cline Republican
“I am congratulating the Virginia Phoenix fastpitch softball team from Vinton, Virginia. They won a national championship without losing a game.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Virginia Phoenix Wood 16U Fastpitch softball team of Vinton, Virginia, for capturing the 2026 USA Softball One True National Championship. These talented young women completed an undefeated tournament run, averaging 10 runs per game, while outscoring their opponents 67-9, and finishing with an outstanding .490 team batting average. This outstanding team includes Alexis McFarland, Lilly Gillispie, Addie Lowry, Tinley Humphries, Averi Fuller, Heidi Dixon, Jocelyn Weddle, Morgan Smith, Elissa Caricofe, Madelynn Ray, Katelyn Mills, Olivia Pierce, Kenley Cundiff, Gianna Pitzer, Zoe Sartin, Emma Sartin, Madison McDaniel, Ava DeJesus, Matilyn Gouldthorpe, and Ashleigh Johnson. I also commend Head Coach Allen Wood and Assistant Coaches Kassie Brammer and Ashley McCallum for their exceptional leadership and dedication to these young women. I congratulate the Virginia Phoenix on this remarkable achievement. Their hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance have brought great pride to Vinton, to the Roanoke Valley, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I wish them continued success.”
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Speech in the House
Signal 33 of 100
Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Virginia Phoenix Wood 16U Fastpitch softball team of Vinton, Virginia, for capturing the 2026 USA Softball One True National Championship. These talented young women completed an undefeated tournament run, averaging 10 runs per game, while outscoring their opponents 67-9, and finishing with an outstanding .490 team batting average. This outstanding team includes Alexis McFarland, Lilly Gillispie, Addie Lowry, Tinley Humphries, Averi Fuller, Heidi Dixon, Jocelyn Weddle, Morgan Smith, Elissa Caricofe, Madelynn Ray, Katelyn Mills, Olivia Pierce, Kenley Cundiff, Gianna Pitzer, Zoe Sartin, Emma Sartin, Madison McDaniel, Ava DeJesus, Matilyn Gouldthorpe, and Ashleigh Johnson. I also commend Head Coach Allen Wood and Assistant Coaches Kassie Brammer and Ashley McCallum for their exceptional leadership and dedication to these young women. I congratulate the Virginia Phoenix on this remarkable achievement. Their hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance have brought great pride to Vinton, to the Roanoke Valley, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I wish them continued success.