POTSDAM -- The Great Northern Naturals hosted their first annual Great Northern Challenge softball tournament this past weekend at the Pine Street field in Potsdam, and the Naturals took the championship.
The Naturals took a last inning, 7-6, come-from-behind win over Edwards-Knox in the first game. Beth Pearson from Canton started and pitched the first three innings, and Mackenzie Rowe from Gouverneur, pictured above, picked up the save.
In game two, Emily O'Connor from Moira pitched a masterpiece in a 25-2 victory over Ogdensburg.
In the final game of the tournament, Potsdam won 12-2 over Edwards-Knox. Rowe started the game and Kaitlin Burke from Stockholm closed in the last inning.
The Naturals had solid defense with great hitting and pitching to win the tournament.
Coached by David Burke from Stockholm, The Naturals have players from Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, from Moira, Stockholm, Colton, Canton and Gouverneur. Players at this tournament included Kaitlin Burke, Kelsey Green, Erica Mason, Emily O'Connor, Beth Pearson, Mackenzie Rowe, Kayla Sawyer, Lauren Smith, Maggie Smith and Eve Whalen.
The Naturals also have tournaments in Watertown and Rome this summer.
The tournament was a success and plans are being made for the Naturals to host a tournament again next year.
