Sports Cards 4U/The Box didn’t have a skeleton crew for the early portion of their Masters 35 Competitive Division schedule, but they clearly were not at full strength as they faced the first foes of the weekend. That nearly cost them in the pool play format that would see only the top 2 of the 5 total teams play for the championship. After a pair of one-run victories, however, including a back-and-forth, extra-inning battle with Mandan Eco Service, they were able to roll along until reinforcements showed up and the national championship was in reach.

While North Dakota’s top threat struggled, the lone entry from South Dakota was dominating. Team Primed racked up wins by a combined score of 37-15 in the first half of pool play. Facing a team with such momentum, however, was just the tonic SportsCards 4U needed to elevate their play. A resounding 29-16 victory over the threat from south of the border put them comfortably on a path to the championship game.

Despite another loss to wrap up pool play, it was Team Primed who would get their shot at revenge in the championship matchup, albeit a doubleheader sweep would be necessary against the top seed from Fargo. Primed managed to get the first with a 10-run margin that let everyone know that the final game could very well go either way.

The way that game did go, though, was squarely in favor of Sports Cards 4U. The margin of victory (24-13) was virtually flipped from their previous contest and the Men’s Masters 35 Competitive Division National Championship trophy would head east to Fargo.

Sports Cards 4U/The Box also took home the MVP (Josh McMenamy) and Batting Champion (Jody Schommer) awards, while Team Primed walked away with the HR Champion (Ray Cuny).

Photos courtesy Mandan Softball Association.