Latest news with #TyaDevericks
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jefferson pitching duo fuels run to state championship
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Jefferson softball team avenged a pair of regular season losses last weekend, helping them win the class 'AA' state championship. Jefferson entered the state tournament as a four-seed, though many considered them dangerous. The Cavs owned a seven game win streak and had won 14 of their last 15. 'We really just grinded throughout the season. We came together when it got long and hard and we just pushed,' Whitney Portner said. 'We got really close and kind of became a family.' That family atmosphere was displayed on and off the field, including a unique set of props in their dugout. 'This is our rally props. When we put these things on, it's game time. That's what makes it fun, just having fun in the dugout and working together. We're just having a good time, because that's what it's all about,' Tya Devericks said. 'Their energy is something else. They've always got something going on,' head coach Ed Whiting said. 'Our dugout energy especially, just carries us, because we find that the higher our energy is, the better we play.' Jefferson outscored their opponents 17-6 in the tournament, earning two shutout wins. That effort was fueled by the talented pitching duo of senior Whitney Portner and sophomore Tya Devericks. 'I know that whatever happens, if I give it my all, she's ready to go in and vice versa. We've got each others backs, along with our whole defense out there,' Portner said. 'She's a great friend and friends come first and then the teammates,' Devericks said. 'I love her to death and it's going to be hard to leave her. Just trusting each other, working together and getting it done.' The Cavs claimed a 4-0 shutout win the championship game, marking the first state softball title in school history. 'That was our goal all year. That's what we were telling each other,' Devericks said. 'I hope next year, I can help my team win another one. We're going to be young still. It's important as it's our first one, but not our last.' Jefferson graduates just three of their 16 varsity players. The Cavaliers finished the year with a 20-3 overall record. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Energy is something else': Cavs energy key in tourney run
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Jefferson claimed a 4-0 win over Washington in the class 'AA' state championship. The Cavs scored three runs early and then relied on their pitching to get the job done. Whitney Portner and Tya Devericks combined to lock in the win. Jefferson had two shutouts in the tournament, including the quarterfinals and championship. They allowed just six runs in the three games, which helped lead them to their first state softball title in program history. The run wasn't easy for Jefferson, but their energy and attitude was a key part in the three wins. 'They're absolutely a great ground of girls. Their energy is something else. They've always got something going on. Dugout energy especially, that just carries us because we just find that the higher our energy is, the better we play,' Jefferson head coach Ed Whiting said. Jefferson finished the season with a 20 and 3 overall record. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jefferson wins class ‘AA' state softball title
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Jefferson high school softball team won the class 'AA' state championship Saturday, earning a 4-0 shutout win over Washington. Whitney Portner got the scoring started in the first inning, thanks to a two run double. Brooklyn Herrera added a run in the second inning, thanks to a solo homerun. Tya Devericks singled in a run in the fifth and that was plenty of run support for the Cavs. Portner and Devericks combined to throw a complete shutout. They allowed six hits, while striking out seven. 'It feels really good. Last game for me, so it was really fun to go out with these girls and end on a win,' Whitney Portner said. 'Coming into the season, you have one goal with your team and that's to make it to the state tournament. Coming this far and working together with your teammates is very, very, very special,' Tya Devericks said. The win marks Jefferson's first softball state title. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
