Ste. Genevieve Wins MAAA Softball Championship

Image courtesy of Zach Thomas

The Ste. Genevieve Dragons are the 2024 MAAA Softball Tournament Champions. They defeated the West County Lady Bulldogs 8-5 in the semifinals to reach the final, held at their stadium. Their opponents were the Valle Catholic Lady Warriors, who had to rally from a six run deficit in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring eight runs that inning en route to beating the Central Lady Rebels 9-7. The final began in earnest with Ste. Genevieve striking first in the second. But Valle Catholic would have an answer in the third inning.

The score would be tied heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, when the bats for Ste. Genevieve would come alive.

The Dragons would not let up, finishing the fourth inning with a 5-1 lead, then scoring five more in the fifth inning before ending the game in six innings, 11-1. Manager Becky Keim was asked after the game what she takes away heading into the rest of the season.

Ste. Genevieve’s starter for both games was Ava Greer. She struck out 24 batters between her two games. She talks about what this tournament victory means to her.

Ste. Genevieve’s two wins bump their record to 13-7. Their next games are Saturday against Red Bud and Hamilton in Illinois. As for Valle Catholic, their record is currently 10-3. Their next game is April 22nd against the West County Lady Bulldogs.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH BECKY KEIM AND AVA GREER: