July 2, 2025
By Jack Carlough
LOVELAND, Colo — Alabama Sparks Elite made quick work of Texas Glory RWB on Wednesday in the Colorado Sparklers Junior 14u Supplemental Power Pool.
In a game that took only about 45 minutes to complete, the Sparks rattled off nine hits, including two home runs, on their way to an 11-0 victory at Loveland’s Barnes Complex. After beating the Oklahoma Athletics Madden/LaValley 9-4 earlier in the day, Alabama now stands 2-0 in Pool L.
"We got a bunch of good kids that like to win and play hard, and they play for each other,” Alabama coach Jeff Cowan said. “It makes a big difference when they play for each other.”
The Sparks’ selfless approach was displayed at the plate as Alabama excelled at taking walks and moving runners over when necessary. Alabama scored three runs in the first inning before crossing home plate eight times in the second with the help of four walks and six singles.
Cowan’s daughter, shortstop Cayleen “Larry” Cowan, delivered the first big hit of the game when she drilled a pitch over the left field fence for a two-run home run.
“I'm just trying to have fun and do it for my teammates,” the younger Cowan said.
While coach Cowan was obviously proud of his daughter’s big game, he praised his entire group for excelling on the field and as supportive teammates.
“They all mean a lot to the team,” coach Cowan said. “She's (Caylee) just one of the pieces of the puzzle, and she does her job. She's a great teammate, just like what we try to preach to all our kids — not only be a good player, but be the best teammate you can be.”
Fellow middle infielder Hartley Hurt also enjoyed a strong game with two hits, two runs scored and an assist in the field. The second baseman admitted that she has struggled at the plate this summer, but her big Wednesday provided a needed confidence boost.
“It's a good environment,” said Hurt, who homered in Alabama’s first win over the Oklahoma Athletics. “It's great to challenge myself and work hard.”
Nine different Sparks reached base at least once via walk or hit. Of note, first baseman Emma Harwood produced a solo homer in the first inning and a two-run single in the second, and left fielder Hadlee Mason drove in two with a second-inning single.
In the circle, Maddi White didn’t allow a hit and struck out one in three innings pitched. Her only blemish came in the third inning when she walked Texas Glory’s Riley Hickman.
“She brings a lot of fun to the team,” Hurt said of the pitcher White. “She can get down on herself really quickly, so we’ve got to help her up a lot, but it's good to have her. She’s fun to have.”
Alabama will return to the Barnes Complex on Thursday for pool play games against Firecrackers Brashear Bauer (10 a.m.) and Breakers Labs Andrade/Roberts (noon).
“Just keep playing hard and putting the ball in play and see what we can do,” coach Cowan said of his team’s goals for the tournament. “We're looking forward to playing some good competition.”
Texas Glory, which fell to Breakers Labs Andrade/Roberts 7-6 in its first game on Wednesday, will face Firecrackers Brashear Bauer (8 a.m.) and Oklahoma Athletics Madden/LaValley (10 a.m.) on Thursday at Barnes.
