Heartland team downs Washington

GREENVILLE, N.C. -- The Benton 16-and-under softball team finished 2-2 in pool play to qualify for the Babe Ruth World Series.

Benton defeated Washington Township of New Jersey 7-1 on Tuesday in Greenville, N.C., to qualify.

Dana Essner picked up the win for Benton, throwing all seven innings and allowing one run off four hits with two strikeouts.

Kelly Essner paced the Benton offensive attack, going 3-4 with two RBIs, including a triple.

Monica Senciboy and Sara Essner had Benton's only other hits. Senciboy added a stolen base while Essner had an RBI.

Benton led 1-0 after plating a run in the bottom of the first.

Benton then broke the game open with six runs in the sixth inning to lead 7-0.

Washington Township broke the shutout with a run in the top of the seventh.

The New Jersey squad also committed five errors in the game.

Melanie Helterbran took the loss. All seven runs she allowed were unearned.

Benton will play in the World Series Wednesday at 3 p.m. against Port Angeles, Wash.